The Approach to the Critically Ill Infant

The ongoing maturation of the small infant creates a unique state of physiologic transition. Severe illness during this transition may be due to a congenital disorder not initially apparent at birth (i.e. congenital heart disease, inborn errors of metabolism) or, alternatively, due to environmental forces that overwhelm the small infant (i.e. infections, trauma). Due to the variety of disorders that can compromise a small infant, the physician faces a considerable challenge in establishing the correct diagnosis. The initial stabilization of such an infant can be technically difficult and requires expertise in airway, respiratory, circulatory and neurological support.