Upon completion of this chapter, the reader will:

• understand changes in the function of the heart and lungs at birth
  
  
• understand the meaning of the Apgar score and its uses and limitations
  
  
• know clinical signs of common congenital malformations
  
  
• understand causes and potential treatments for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy and intracranial hemorrhages
  
  
• grasp the basic components of the immune system and the most common neonatal infections
  
  
• be able to discuss causes and consequences of hypoglycemia and other metabolic disturbances, including inborn errors of metabolism
  
  
• know causes and the significance of neonatal seizures