Pediatrix Specialty Care of Odessa

About Our Practice

Pediatrix Specialty Care of Odessa is a multi-specialty practice of pediatric hospitalists and neonatologists.

Our pediatric hospitalists are available 24/7 to provide care to children with various illnesses or injuries who require hospitalization. We work closely with your child’s primary care physician to ensure the best possible care and outcomes. Additionally, our pediatric hospitalists will keep you and your child’s primary care physician updated on your child’s progress, communicating all necessary information. Our focus on pediatric hospitalist medicine allows us to provide enhanced care due to our extensive knowledge and experience. Bringing expertise and compassion to pediatric patients, our dedicated pediatric hospitalists manage the complex needs of infants, children and adolescents during their hospital stay.

Our board-certified neonatologists and neonatal nurse practitioners provide high-quality neonatal intensive care in a compassionate, family-focused manner. We apply the latest research-based advances in neonatal care to continually improve the lives of our patients and their families. Through our partnerships with local hospitals, we collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of pediatric subspecialists including anesthesia, respiratory therapy, surgery, cardiology, nursing and other rapid-response personnel, to ensure sick and critically ill newborn babies receive the precise care they need, exactly when they need it.

At Pediatrix Specialty Care of Odessa, we'll be here when you and your child need us the most.

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

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.
Congenital Heart Disease

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is a term used to describe a group of problems present at birth that affect the structure of the heart and/or the large vessels near the heart. There are many types of CHD. Some types may be detected before birth and, in some cases, may be treated before birth. Other types are not found until the baby is born, during childhood or in adulthood.
Jaundice
Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC)
Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA)
Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN)
Prematurity
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.