All of the following are features of prematurity in a neonate, except
**Core Concept**
Premature birth is defined as birth before 37 weeks of gestation. Premature neonates are at risk for various complications due to incomplete lung maturation and inadequate development of vital organs. The features of prematurity can be attributed to the immaturity of the fetal organs and systems.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Premature neonates typically exhibit respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to the lack of surfactant in the lungs. Surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins that reduces the surface tension in the alveoli, facilitating easier lung expansion. Premature neonates also often have:
* Low birth weight, reflecting inadequate fetal growth.
* Hypoglycemia, resulting from inadequate glycogen stores and impaired glucose metabolism.
* Hypocalcemia, caused by immature parathyroid gland development and impaired calcium homeostasis.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect as it is a feature of prematurity. Apnea of prematurity is a common complication in premature neonates due to the immaturity of the respiratory control centers.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect as it is a feature of prematurity. Hemorrhagic disease of the newborn (HDN) is a condition that can be seen in premature neonates due to the immaturity of the liver and the coagulation cascade.
**Option B:** This option is incomplete, therefore, I will provide an additional incorrect option: **Option E:** This option is incorrect as it is not a feature of prematurity. Meningitis is a bacterial infection of the meninges that can occur in neonates but is not specifically associated with prematurity.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Premature neonates are at increased risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) due to the immaturity of the intestinal mucosa and the gut's inability to withstand the transition from a fetal to a neonatal gut environment.
**Correct Answer:** D.