新生兒科

On December 1, 1997, we officially designated the intensive care unit as the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) with 30 beds and the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) with 18 beds. In addition, we also set up a 60-bed sick baby room (SBR) for the treatment of neonates and premature infants with moderate and severe condition.

Medical Service

Neonatal care, in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), is one of the most advanced modern medical practices. Among the inpatients in the NICU, preterm infants are in the majority, accounting for about 80 to 90 %. Over a span of 20 years from 1991 to 2011, the Hospital’s Neonatology Division has treated numerous neonates and premature infants with severe condition. In particular, there were over 800 premature babies with a birth weight of less than 1,000 grams that are most difficult to treat.

The Hospital’s Neonatology Division is one of the five preterm infant medical training centers in the nation (the only one in central Taiwan). Our medical performance takes the lead in the nation: the survival rate is 98% for birth weight <1,500 grams, 83% for <1,000 grams, and 63% for 500 to 750 grams, all of which are in line with the international medical standards.

We have also attained a number of outstanding therapeutic achievements, such as: in 1997, a newborn was alive and well at 23 weeks and 530 grams; in 1999, premature quadruplet infants survived perfectly; in 2010, the nation's smallest premature newborn was alive and well at 24 weeks and 420 grams. The neonatal medical team was awarded the National Biotechnology Medical Quality Award twice in 2005 and 2010.

Teaching and Research

During the period of 1997 to 2011, more than 200 medical papers were published in medical journals and medical symposiums both at home and abroad.

Over the past 15 years, we have also cultivated many excellent medical personnel, some of whom have served as Nursing Department supervisor, NICU head nurse and team leader in the Hospital. Many of the excellent nurses who have left have taken on important positions at the NICU in other hospitals.

Twelve specialists in neonatology were trained here, three of whom are attending physicians in the Hospital's NICU. Members of the team include: attending physicians Hsiao-yu Chiu, Fu-kui Huang, and Ming-lun Tsai; NICU director Hsiang-yu Lin; Neonatology Division director Hung-chih Lin, and Children’s Hospital vice superintendent Pai-hung Su.

Innovative Medical Technology in Neonatal Care

Inhaled Nitric Oxide Therapy

In 1997, the Hospital’s Neonatology Division took the lead in introducing this therapy to treat newborns with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension.

High-frequency Ventilator

This is an advanced respiratory treatment for severe neonatal dyspnea, and the Hospital is experienced and excels in this regard.

Neonatal Hypothermia Treatment

This is the most advanced treatment for severe neonatal asphyxia and hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), and is currently the only medical treatment proven effective for HIE. The Hospital in 2011 introduced the latest equipment for the hypothermia treatment center in central Taiwan. The Hospital has a very low incidence of chronic lung disease in premature infants, and is one of the best neonatal medical centers in the nation.

Stem Cells

The development and use of stem cells for the treatment of chronic lung disease and cerebral palsy in premature infants is also an advanced medical technology.

Nutritional Therapy

Early aggressive nutrition is given to preterm infants to promote their physical growth and nerve development.

Neonatal Intensive Care

The Division provides 24-hour external service, with the ambulance equipped with advanced instruments such as new transfer incubators, respirators, and heartbeat monitors, which can ensure the life safety of premature infants and neonates in critical condition.