Neonatology
The newborn: resuscitation, routine checks, jaundice, feeding, sepsis and safe sleep.
High-yield points
Neonatal resuscitation (ANZCOR): effective ventilation is the priority; start chest compressions if heart rate stays below 60 despite adequate ventilation.
Jaundice in the first 24 hours is always pathological (haemolysis, sepsis); use gestation-specific phototherapy charts.
All newborns are offered IM vitamin K and hepatitis B vaccine at birth (ideally within 24 hours, must be within 7 days).
Newborn bloodspot screening (heel prick) at 48-72 hours screens for conditions including congenital hypothyroidism, PKU and cystic fibrosis.
Universal newborn hearing screening is offered before discharge.
Early-onset neonatal sepsis: benzylpenicillin plus gentamicin; GBS is a major cause.
Safe sleep (Red Nose): on the back, face and head uncovered, smoke-free, safe cot, in the parents' room for the first 6-12 months.
Hypoglycaemia risk groups: infants of diabetic mothers, preterm, small or large for dates.
India vs Australia
Where the answer the AMC marks correct differs from what’s usually taught in Indian MBBS.
| Aspect | India (MBBS)What you learn in MBBS | Australia (AMC)What the exam marks as correct |
|---|---|---|
| Birth vaccines | BCG, OPV zero dose and hepatitis B birth dose. | Hepatitis B birth dose (ideally within 24 hours) and vitamin K. No routine BCG or oral polio. |
| Newborn screening | Not universal; varies by state and hospital. | Universal heel-prick bloodspot screening at 48-72 hours for many conditions, plus universal hearing screening. |
| Safe sleep | Bed-sharing is the norm. | Red Nose advice: baby on back, own safe cot, room-sharing not bed-sharing, face uncovered, smoke-free. |
| Common problems | Low birth weight, sepsis and hypothermia; kangaroo mother care. | Jaundice, prematurity and feeding problems. Breastfeeding promotion is largely the same. |
Birth vaccines
India (MBBS)
BCG, OPV zero dose and hepatitis B birth dose.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Hepatitis B birth dose (ideally within 24 hours) and vitamin K. No routine BCG or oral polio.
Newborn screening
India (MBBS)
Not universal; varies by state and hospital.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Universal heel-prick bloodspot screening at 48-72 hours for many conditions, plus universal hearing screening.
Safe sleep
India (MBBS)
Bed-sharing is the norm.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Red Nose advice: baby on back, own safe cot, room-sharing not bed-sharing, face uncovered, smoke-free.
Common problems
India (MBBS)
Low birth weight, sepsis and hypothermia; kangaroo mother care.
Australia (AMC): what the exam expects
Jaundice, prematurity and feeding problems. Breastfeeding promotion is largely the same.