NICU: Neonatal Intensive Care Unit – Overview

The NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) is a specialized hospital unit providing 24/7 advanced care for critically ill or premature newborns.

Admission Criteria

• Prematurity (<37 weeks, especially <32 weeks)
• Low birth weight (<2500 g, VLBW <1500 g)
• Respiratory distress (RDS, TTN, meconium aspiration)
• Sepsis, congenital anomalies, surgical conditions
• Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, seizures
• Jaundice requiring intensive phototherapy/exchange

Capabilities

• Mechanical ventilation, HFOV, iNO
• Continuous cardiorespiratory monitoring
• Central lines, TPN, precise fluid management
• Neuroimaging, EEG, specialized labs
• Multidisciplinary team: neonatologists, NNPs, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, dietitians, social workers

Levels (US)

• Level I: Well newborn
• Level II: Special care (≥32 wks, moderate illness)
• Level III: Subspecialty NICU (<32 wks, critical illness, surgery)
• Level IV: Regional NICU (complex surgery, ECMO, cardiac)

Family-centered care (kangaroo care, breastfeeding support, parental involvement) is integral.