ABSTRACT
The pediatric transport team is a natural physical extension of the neonatal or pediatric intensive care unit and should be able to provide advanced critical care management for children at remote sites and during transport to a tertiary center. Hypothermia remains a main problem in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) babies as it adversely affects neonatal outcome, and poor posttransfer temperature seems to be an independent predictor of mortality. The transport team consists of a transport neonatologist/pediatrician and a trained neonatal nurse familiar with and able to anticipate potential problems associated with specific lesions. The baby with gastroschisis is at a higher risk for hypothermia, excessive fluid loss, shock, and infection due to lack of a covering peritoneal/amniotic membrane, which gives rise to exposed viscera and peritoneal surfaces. Therefore, radiant heating should be available in the room, and the baby should be kept in a warmed incubator. Babies with Pierre Robin syndrome carry a high risk of tongue swallowing and asphyxiation.
