02/27/2014  11 am  Good Morning Baby Carter

Baby Carter had a good night last night.  His vital signs are stable however he has some atelectasis in his lungs which is basically airlessness.  This can be very common.  They are going to increase some of his CPAP settings to help expand the collapsed air cells called alveoli.  His bilirubin also continued to increase despite his phototherapy so they will be adding a second light.

Last night Carter had an ultrasound of his head which is a common test to have due to his age.  This test did show a Grade I-II bleed in his brain.  Dr. Lugo advised us that this is not uncommon and occurs in about 50% of pre-term babies.  They will need to watch closely for any worsening bleed or other neurologic problems.  We did enroll Carter in a trial called PENUT.  This trial is the Pre-Term Erythropoietin Neuroprotection Trial.  It is a randomized trial so we are not sure if what he is receiving is actually the real medication but we are hopeful it is since it is expected that the result of this trial are improved outcomes for neurocognitive development and the reduction of intracranial hemorrhage.

On to the good news......Carter will start getting breast milk today and is expected to get about 3 ounces a day as long as he tolerates it.  Grow Carter grow and keep the prayers coming!!

Carter's Glamour Shot for today