Condition Beads

These beads represent some of the conditions that babies face in the NICU. Website in process of being updated. For orders please email a list of your beads to amber@preemieprints.org. All beads on this page are $3 each.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome - Please see the procedure page and reference the 

Respiratory Bead Series


The A & B Bead

Premature babies have immature respiratory centres in the brain. Preemies normally have bursts of big breaths followed by periods of shallow breathing or pauses. Apnea is most common when the baby is sleeping. Bradycardia is a slowing of the heart rate, less than 100 beats per minute (for a premature baby). Bradycardia often follows apnea or periods of very shallow breathing. Many NICU parents experience As & Bs while their baby is in the NICU. This blue beads represents the "bluish" color that a baby's skin may start to turn during an apnea episode and the procedural "rub" or other treatment by a NICU nurse to stimulate the baby. 

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD)

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia involves abnormal development of lung tissue. It is characterized by inflammation and scarring in the lungs. It develops most often in premature babies, who are born with underdeveloped lungs.

Hydrocephalus

A buildup of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord causes hydrocephalus. It occurs when something — often bleeding from an intraventricular hemorrhage (see below) or an abnormality of the brain or skull — blocks the flow of the fluid. The buildup can create pressure that can damage the brain.

Intraventricular Hemorrhage (IVH)

Intraventricular hemorrhage is bleeding in the brain. 

Severe cases may cause a drop in blood pressure or seizures.

Jaundice

Yellow crystal bead no metal. Jaundice occurs when a baby has increased blood cell breakdown and the liver can't handle the extra bilirubin, which builds up, giving the skin and the whites of the eyes a yellowish color. Babies with jaundice are sometimes more sleepy than usual and, in severe cases, may be lethargic.

Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)

The most common intestinal condition that occurs in about 1% to 5% of infants in the NICU and happens more commonly in low birth weight and premature infants.

Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)

The ductus arteriosus (DA) is a blood vessel in the heart that connects the aorta (which provides blood to the rest of the body) to the pulmonary artery (which sends blood to the lung). It allows blood to bypass the lungs while a baby is still in the womb. The ductus arteriosus usually closes shortly after birth, which allows for normal blood circulation. But in some babies, most often premature ones, it remains open, or patent. Then blood flows through the ductus arteriosus and floods the vessels in the lungs, causing respiratory problems.

Periventricular Leukomalacia (PVL)

A type of brain injury, periventricular leukomalacia occurs in the brain tissue that surrounds the fluid-filled cavities of the brain, called ventricles. This area of the brain is called white matter, in contrast to the grey matter that makes up the rest of the brain. So, the injury occurs to the white matter that provides connections between the brain and the muscles of the body.

Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

The eyes of premature infants are especially vulnerable to injury after birth. A serious complication is called retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), which is an abnormal growth of the blood vessels in an infant's eye (within the retina).

Sepsis

Sepsis is the body's response to infection that has spread throughout the blood and tissues. The body mounts a widespread inflammatory response to the infection that can quickly spiral out of control and cause even more harm.

Infection

There are many types of infections that premature babies face in the NICU. 

Kidney/Bladder Reflux Bead

Kidney reflux means that one or both valves in the ureters are not working properly, which can cause urinary tract infections. It is estimated that kidney reflux is responsible for around one-fifth of all kidney (renal) failure in children and young adults. Kidney reflux is also known as vesicoureteric reflux ('vesico' means bladder). Treatment options include antibiotics and surgery.

Intestinal Atresia 

Intestinal atresia is a broad term used to describe a complete blockage or obstruction anywhere in the intestine. Stenosis refers to a partial obstruction that results in a narrowing of the opening (lumen) of the intestine. Though these conditions may involve any portion of the gastrointestinal tract, the small bowel is the most commonly affected portion.

The frequencies, symptoms and methods of diagnosis differ depending on the site of intestinal involvement. Nevertheless, children with all forms of intestinal atresia require surgical treatment.