Pediatrix Neonatology of Topeka

About Our Practice

Pediatrix Neonatology of Topeka, located in Topeka, Kansas, has been caring for premature and critically-ill newborns since 1997. In 2013, we started to provide services in the St. Francis Health Level II NICU in Topeka. We also provide newborn hearing services in several area hospitals. Our board certified neonatologist and certified neonatal nurse practitioners (NNPs) are supported by a skilled multidisciplinary team. Each year, more than 400 babies and their families from all over Northeast Kansas benefit from the excellent care provided by Pediatrix in the NICU at Stormont-Vail Health, the region’s only Level III NICU, and at the St. Francis Hospital Level II NICU.

In 1997, our practice became affiliated with Pediatrix Medical Group. With this affiliation, we gained access to the largest database of neonatal outcomes and research initiatives, as well as access to nearly 3,000 neonatal, maternal-fetal and pediatric specialty colleagues across the country. Our practice benefits from the strength and expertise of the larger organization while maintaining the warmth and responsiveness of a local practice.

Our practice is active in research and we have partnered with Pediatrix on several research projects. We are committed to high quality, family-centered care and are involved in numerous quality improvement initiatives to improve the outcomes of babies in the community.

Services Offered

Blood Transfusion in Newborn

Process in which blood is given to a baby. This is a common need in premature babies and full-term babies born with health problems. A blood transfusion is a way to provide extra red blood cells (RBCs) to the baby. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body and it is vital that the baby has a certain amount.
PICC Line
Umbilical Catheter

A thin tube that is placed in the body in order to draw out blood to be used for testing or to allow fluids and medicines to be given. This device serves as a passage that allows doctors and nurses to perform these functions as needed. An umbilical catheter is inserted into the umbilical cord in one of two ways; either into a vein (called an umbilical venous catheter or UVC) or into an artery (called an umbilical arterial catheter or UAC).

Conditions Treated

Prematurity
Air Leak Syndrome
Apnea of Prematurity

A condition in which a baby temporarily stops breathing while sleeping or resting. Many newborns have short pauses in their breathing (less than 20 seconds), but a baby is said to have apnea if he or she stops breathing for at least 20 seconds, has a slowed heart rate (bradycardia) or has a bluish color to the skin with a shorter pause in breathing. Periods of apnea may be accompanied by bradycardia and these events are called "spells" or "alarms."
Babies Born with Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

The amount of sugar in our blood, called blood sugar or blood glucose, is the fuel that keeps all of our body systems working. If this level dips too low, it is called hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar can happen in any newborn, but some babies have a higher risk for it. Because a baby's body requires so much energy (sugar) after birth, low blood sugar usually occurs within the first few hours after birth. In general, the risk for low blood sugar in a healthy, full-term newborn declines shortly after birth. Yet, if blood sugar stays too low for too long without treatment, it can affect the brain. The effects can range from mild to severe, and may result in learning problems, vision problems and impaired development of motor skills and speech.
Brain Injury
Chronic Lung Disease

Also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), occurs if growth in parts of a baby's lungs are disrupted, altering the lung structure and function. CLD can lead to continued lung problems for some children. Because severe CLD can cause decreased oxygen to parts of the baby's body, it also can lead to problems with the baby's heart, and with hearing, motor skills, speech and learning.
Jaundice
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS)
Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP)

A problem with a baby's eyes. The retina is a thin layer of tissue that covers the back portion of the eyeball. In babies born early, blood vessels still need to grow in the retina. In some babies, these vessels grow too fast and in a corkscrew shape. This process can cause bleeding and scarring. Scarring sometimes pulls the retina off the back of the eye. This can cause loss of sight or decreased vision.