Different types and levels of NICU

Neonatologist Philippe Friedlich, MD, explains what the different levels of care are for babies in the NICU and which health conditions determine the level of care a baby will need
Different Types and Levels of NICU
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Different types and levels of NICU

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Babies can be born with many forms of heart problem. Some are congenital heart defect. But at the time, the heart of the baby may not be pumping well. In a decision to bring a baby to a NICU, you must be aware that different hospitals have different levels of care. The American Academy of Pediatrics rank those from 1-2-3, 3 being the highest level of care. For example, at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles where I practice, we have the provision or supporting babies whose heart and lungs are not functioning with a heart-lung machine called ACMA. So when these babies cannot maintain their vital functions naturally and when we have exhausted all means possible, we can actually place these infants on these machines that can support their hearts and lungs until the heart and lung is healthy enough to support by themselves. We have been doing this for over three decades. And successfully have treated over 1K patients whose lives are radically changed with this level of care.

Neonatologist Philippe Friedlich, MD, explains what the different levels of care are for babies in the NICU and which health conditions determine the level of care a baby will need

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Philippe Friedlich, MD

Neonatologist

Philippe Friedlich, MD, MS Epi, MBA is the Associate Director and Division Chief of the Center for Fetal and Neonatal Medicine at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, as well as the Medical Director of the hospital’s Newborn & Infant Critical Care Unit (NICCU). Dr. Friedlich is a professor of Pediatrics and Surgery at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California.   

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Transcription: 
Babies can be born with many forms of heart problem. Some are congenital heart defect. But at the time, the heart of the baby may not be pumping well. In a decision to bring a baby to a NICU, you must be aware that different hospitals have different levels of care. The American Academy of Pediatrics rank those from 1-2-3, 3 being the highest level of care. For example, at Children's Hospital of Los Angeles where I practice, we have the provision or supporting babies whose heart and lungs are not functioning with a heart-lung machine called ACMA. So when these babies cannot maintain their vital functions naturally and when we have exhausted all means possible, we can actually place these infants on these machines that can support their hearts and lungs until the heart and lung is healthy enough to support by themselves. We have been doing this for over three decades. And successfully have treated over 1K patients whose lives are radically changed with this level of care.