Again taken from ttmf.org
Developmentally Delayed / Disabled
A term used to describe infants and toddlers who have not achieved skills and abilities which are expected to be mastered by children of the same age. Delays can be in any of the following areas: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, speech and language and/or adaptive development, sometimes called self-help skills, which include dressing, toileting, and feeding. Many developmental delays can be overcome with early intervention programs.
Early Intervention Program
Planned use of physical therapy and other interventions in the first few years of a child's life to enhance the child's development. Connecticut's Birth To Three program is an early intervention program.
Echocardiogram (“Echo”)
Ultrasound picture of the heart. This is a painless, non-invasive procedure that takes accurate pictures of almost all parts of the heart. Many preemies have a cardiac ultrasound if the doctor is looking for evidence of a patent ductus arteriosus.
Endotracheal Tube (ETT or ET Tube)
Tube placed through the mouth or nose into the throat and the child's trachea (windpipe). This tube provides a secure pathway through which air can be circulated to the lungs.
Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW)
A baby born weighing less than 2 pounds, 3 ounces (1,000 grams). Also known as a "micropreemie." See also Very Low Birth Weight and Low Birth Weight.
Extubation
Removing the Endotracheal Tube (ET Tube) from the baby's windpipe.
Gastroesophageal Reflex (GER)
Contents on the stomach coming back up into the esophagus, which occurs when the junction between the esophagus and the stomach is not completely developed or is abnormal. GER is very common among preemies. In some babies, reflux can irritate the lining of the esophagus and cause a form of "heartburn" which causes them to become irritable and uncomfortable. Mild forms of GER are common, require no treatment, and go away on their own over a period of months. However, it is necessary to evaluate how severe the GER is and whether or not it requires treatment.
Treatment of GER may include keeping the baby upright, thickening of the feedings, giving medication to reduce stomach acid, and sometimes giving medication to increase the ability of the stomach to contract.
Gavage Feeding
Feeding a baby through a nasogastric (NG) tube. Also called tube feeding.
Parker had GER as well as ELBW - he was exactly 1000 grams (or 2 pounds 3 ozs at birth) Parker was also fed through a gavage...for a while actually, because of his GER.
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