EXPERT
Dr. Shadi Malaeb, M.D.
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Specialist
Dr. Shadi Malaeb is a Neonatal-Perinatal physician practicing in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Dr. Malaeb cares for critically ill newborns and premature infants. Neonatal-Perinatal physicians treat conditions such as breathing disorders, birth defects, infections, and any other life-threatening medical problems. They coordinate with their young patient's families and other physicians to determine the appropriate treatment.
26 years
Experience
Dr. Shadi Malaeb, M.D.
- Philadelphia, PA
- American University of Beirut Faculty of Medicine
- Accepting new patients
Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine
Neonatal-perinatal medicine is a subspecialty of pediatrics that consists of the medical care of newborn infants and understanding the conditions around birth that affect their...
My son was born with a breathing disorder. What are the chances his condition will improve as he grows up?
Lung problems in newborns predispose the lungs to other lung problems as the airways may become more susceptible to other conditions later in life, such as smoking, respiratory READ MORE
Lung problems in newborns predispose the lungs to other lung problems as the airways may become more susceptible to other conditions later in life, such as smoking, respiratory virus, etc. Best to avoid.
My baby has been in the NICU for the last month. Will this cause any issues in his development?
Yes. It is adivsable for NICU graduates to be followed for their growth and development in teh NICU follow-up clinic. many babies start developmental therapy such as physical therapy, READ MORE
Yes. It is adivsable for NICU graduates to be followed for their growth and development in teh NICU follow-up clinic. many babies start developmental therapy such as physical therapy, speeach therapy and occupational therapy while in the NICU, and continue after discharge with Early Intervention Program.
While bathing my baby a little water went inside his ears. Does he need attention from a neonatalogist?
I would not worry about it.
My baby has been admitted in NICU for pneumonia. How long do you think it will take for him to recover?
You mean PICU? I wish him a good recovery. Please talk to your baby's doctor about your questions.
Is anemia in preterm babies normal?
Preterm infants have more severe anemia and earlier anemia than term infants. Some pediatricians would start iron supplements earlier for that reason.
My baby is preterm and is in the NICU for respiratory distress. What should we expect?
It varies, weeks to months. Not all conditions are the same.
My baby keeps throwing milk back up. Do you think I would need a NICU doctor to see him?
Best is to see your pediatrician first and he or she will determine with you what are the next steps.
Are preterm babies more prone to infections?
Yes, especially to respiratory viruses.
Why is my baby unable to feed properly?
Have you tried to pump your breast milk and offer to the baby in a bottle?
What vitamins should a woman take before getting pregnant?
Prenatal vitamins with folic acid.
What is the best way to check baby's temperature?
Ear temperature thermometers I think are the best and easiest to use, but are expensive. Regular digital thermometers under the arm pit are good too.
What is a Quad test?
A quad test invovles a blood test on the mother to detect certain markers of fetal problems, usually big defects and malformations. Added to an ultrasound, the information can READ MORE
A quad test invovles a blood test on the mother to detect certain markers of fetal problems, usually big defects and malformations. Added to an ultrasound, the information can be helpful to determine chance of baby having a trisomy 21 or other major syndrome.
What are diseases detected in newborn screening?
In addition to the cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) screen, infants usually have their hearing checked, and a blood sample is collected for a newborn screen which, depending READ MORE
In addition to the cyanotic congenital heart disease (CCHD) screen, infants usually have their hearing checked, and a blood sample is collected for a newborn screen which, depending on the state, can check sometimes up to 31 different condition, most important examples include thyroid and adrenal gland problems, blood problems like thalasemia, genetic problems such as cystic fibrosis, and metabolic conditions such as PKU (written on soda cans), and many others. Not all conditions are detected on a newborn screen, and not all newborn screens are true; some are false positive, but this is the best that is out there presently. In general, no news is good news for newborn screens.
Do premature babies have developmental delays?
Yes, this is unfortunately true. However, not all prematurity is equal. Some babies are more affected than others, and some minimal/unnoticeable. You can discuss with your neonatologist READ MORE
Yes, this is unfortunately true. However, not all prematurity is equal. Some babies are more affected than others, and some minimal/unnoticeable. You can discuss with your neonatologist specific risks and what can be done to help best possible outcome. In general, steroids given to the mother before birth can promote extra maturation in the preterm fetus, but may make affect your blood sugars. After birth, mother's breast milk and skin to skin care can help offset some of the risk.
How do I cure infant cradle cap?
I would start by checking with your pediatrician to make sure it is craddle cap for sure. There are many prescription strenght therapies that your pediatricain can prescribe if READ MORE
I would start by checking with your pediatrician to make sure it is craddle cap for sure. There are many prescription strenght therapies that your pediatricain can prescribe if needed.
How does gestational diabetes affect my baby?
Infant of diabetic mothers can sometimes be very large for gestational age, and can have difficult delivery, and may have low blood sugars, and sometimes heart conditions shortly READ MORE
Infant of diabetic mothers can sometimes be very large for gestational age, and can have difficult delivery, and may have low blood sugars, and sometimes heart conditions shortly after birth.
Why do some babies make a clicking sound when moving?
I recommend you have her hips checked by your pedaitirician or pediatric orthopedics specialist if needed.
What is the connection between a topic dermatitis and HRAD?
Some babies have an exaggerated reaction to things around them. This tendency of the immune system to have an exaggerated response is called atopy. Sometimes it manifests as atopic READ MORE
Some babies have an exaggerated reaction to things around them. This tendency of the immune system to have an exaggerated response is called atopy. Sometimes it manifests as atopic dermatitis, sometimes as HRAD, others as food allergies, etc., or all of the above sometimes.
Do preterm babies always have late development issues?
Not always; sometime. Developmental assessment in the NICU and afterwards, and follow-up may help detect problems ealry; and Early Intervention program referral may help.
Is convulsions in a child during fever okay?
It is common for some babies to have febirle seizures, which are benign, and subside quickly. However, it is good to bring it up to your pediatrician's attention for future considerations. READ MORE
It is common for some babies to have febirle seizures, which are benign, and subside quickly. However, it is good to bring it up to your pediatrician's attention for future considerations.
