The transition to extrauterine life and disorders of transition

Abstract

With shorter postnatal hospital stays, concern has arisen that many infants may be discharged prior to completion of the transition to extrauterine life, a time of dynamic physiologic change when many neonatal problems may present. This article reviews the physiology of the neonatal transition together with common transitional disorders. Most disorders of transition present at typical postnatal time periods, permitting their timely anticipation and treatment. Moreover, many are associated with factors that may further aid the clinician in defining those infants at highest risk.