Anaes SAQs · Applied cardiovascular & respiratory physiology
Neonatal physiology
Primary — fetal shunts (foramen ovale, ductus arteriosus, ductus venosus); transition at birth (first breaths lower PVR, cord clamping raises SVR, functional closure); PPHN; thermoregulation (SA:mass 4x, brown fat); PK (higher TBW, lower protein, immature Phase II, permeable BBB); heart-rate-dependent CO; neonatal airway; bradycardia with hypoxia.
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Target exams
ANZCAFRCAABAEDAIC
Prompt
Describe the fetal circulation and the circulatory transition at birth. Outline the pharmacokinetic, thermoregulatory and airway differences of the neonate relevant to anaesthesia.
Question
Describe the fetal circulation and the circulatory transition at birth. Outline the pharmacokinetic, thermoregulatory and airway differences of the neonate relevant to anaesthesia.
References4ShowHide
- [4]Piani F, et al. Maternal and neonatal circulation. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, 2026.PMID 41525138
- [5]Krishnaprasadh D. Pediatric and Neonatal Resuscitation. StatPearls, 2026.PMID 34283435
- [2]Tsai YF, et al. Dexmedetomidine Dosing Strategies in Sedation and Anesthesia: Pharmacokinetics, Safety, and Clinical Applications - A Narrative Review. Drug Des Devel Ther, 2026.PMID 42232093
- [6]Sehgal A, et al. The left ventricle in well newborns versus those with perinatal asphyxia, haemodynamically significant ductus arteriosus or fetal growth restriction. Transl Pediatr, 2023.PMID 37814715