Common terms - C
Cannula:
This is a small, soft plastic tube which is inserted into a vein or artery.
In a vein it is used to give fluids or medicines directly into a baby's bloodstream without having to use
needles. The cannula is usually placed in a baby's hand or foot but,
occasionally, it may need to go into his scalp - to do this a small
amount of hair may need to be shaved off. It is hoped that a cannula will stay
in place for several days, however, because the veins in babies are fragile, it
may only last a few hours.
In an artery it is used to measure blood pressure continuously and to allow blood repeated blood sampling
without having to stick needles in the baby.
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF):
This is the fluid that is around the brain and spinal cord.
Samples of CSF are taken using a lumbar puncture
whenever there are concerns that the baby may have an infection which could be
meningitis.
Carbon dioxide:
This is a waste product produced naturally in the body. Carbon dioxide is carried in the blood stream to the lungs
where it is breathed out. We measure this to monitor how well the baby is breathing.
Levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) are monitored in all babies who have any form of breathing problem.
Catheter:
This is a long, thin flexible tube used to give fluids or remove fluids from
the body. An umbilical venous catheter (UVC) passes into the umbilical vein
of a baby's tummy button and can be used to give drugs and fluids. An umbilical
arterial catheter (UAC) passes into the umbilical artery of a baby's tummy
button and is used to monitor blood pressure and obtain blood samples.
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Chromosomes
These are the 'building blocks' of the body. The chromosomes contain the genetic material that
make us what we are. There are normally a total of 46 chromosomes in 23 pairs. We get one of the pair from
our father and the other from our mother. One of the pairs determines the sex of the baby.
A girl has 2 X chromosomes, while a boy has one X and a Y chromosome.
Mistakes can occur in the chromosomes. In some cases the mistakes are inherited from the parents but
often they occur for the first time in the baby. Sometimes the baby has an extra chromosome (as
occurs, for example, in Down syndrome),
or there may be a piece of one chromosome missing.
Chromosomes can be grown from cells in the blood. A preliminary result of a chromosome test is often available in a few days,
although a more detailed analysis may take 1-2 weeks.
Caesarean section:
A surgical procedure in which the baby is delivered through a cut in the mother's tummy and womb.
See delivery and resuscitation.
Cerebral palsy
This term is used to describe a condition in which the brain cannot properly
control the movements of muscles and joints. A child with cerebral palsy may
have problems with walking, talking, eating or playing, depending on how
severely they are affected.
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Chronic lung disease
This is a problem which occurs in many babies who have been
born prematurely. The lungs of the preterm baby are fragile and easily damaged
by the treatments that are needed to keep him alive - mainly oxygen and
ventilation. Babies who are affected usually need continued help with breathing
for some time. Many have an ongoing need for extra oxygen
but, in the more severe cases, they may need to be ventilated for a long time.
In most the condition improves with time. Eventually their lungs will grow, and they will no longer
need support.
Corrected age:
The gestational age of a baby is calculated from the first day of the mother's last menstrual period.
Conception probably takes place about 2 weeks after this date.
The baby's corrected age takes the gestational age into account.
For example, if a baby was born at 32 weeks gestation and is now 4 weeks old,
then his corrected age is 36 weeks gestation.
This is useful in assessing how a baby is behaving and developing in relation to his age.
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Cosy-cot
This is an open cot. The baby lies on a platform and is kept warm by a
strong radiant heater above the bed. It is used during resuscitation of the babies on labour ward and
also for larger babies who are sick and need to be nursed exposed.
CPAP:
Continuous Positive Airways Pressure
This is a form of ventilation delivered using a CPAP machine. It helps keep
the lungs expanded by pushing a small amount of air or oxygen into a baby's
airway through little plastic tubes placed just inside the nose, or by a small
mask over the nose. CPAP is mainly used in premature babies who, when they are
strong enough, will come off CPAP for longer and longer periods each day until
they can manage without it altogether. This is called 'cycling'.
Cultures:
Cultures are samples taken to determine if a baby has an infection. The type
of culture will depend on where we think the infection could be. Cultures can
be taken to look for both bacteria and viruses. The samples are incubated in
the laboratory and we usually get a report after approximately 48 hours. In
many cases the baby will be started on antibiotics after the cultures are
taken. These drugs may be stopped if the culture results are negative. Samples
of blood, urine, CSF (the fluid around the spinal cord which is
sampled by a lumbar puncture) and secretions
are taken as well as swabs from various parts of the body.
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