[Summary of the Dutch College of General Practitioners' practice guideline, "Examination of the neonate"].
The routine examination of the neonate by the general practitioner directly after birth provides a first impression of the state and vitality of the newborn, gives base values that may be relevant for later occurring illnesses or problems, and is a first orientation on the presence of congenital malformations. Inspection of the newborn is the most important. Four possible malformations receive special attention: congenital malformations of the heart and eye, developmental hip dysplasia, and undescended testes. If the first examination was properly performed, a second routine examination by the general practitioner during the maternity visit has no proven added value. A specific physical examination should take place if indicated. It is recommended that all involved parties (health centre physicians, obstetricians, general practitioners, paediatricians and midwives) reach agreement as to the content and reporting of the first examination.
Flikweert
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Nederlands Huisartsen Genootschap, afd. Richtlijnontwikkeling en Wetenschapsbeleid, Postbus 3231, 3502 GE Utrecht. renw@nhg-nl.org
Pijnenborg
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Assendelft
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D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015997:Neonatal Screening / Q000592:standards*; D009426:Netherlands; D010808:Physical Examination; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000592:standards*