Differential Diagnosis for Newborn with Sleeping and Feeding Difficulties, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Tachypnea, Sweating, and Sneezing

• Single Most Likely Diagnosis
  • Neonatal sepsis: This condition is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in newborns, and the symptoms presented, such as feeding difficulties, vomiting, diarrhea, tachypnea, and sweating, are consistent with a systemic infection. The presence of sneezing could be indicative of a respiratory component.
• Other Likely Diagnoses
  • Congenital heart disease: Newborns with congenital heart defects may exhibit feeding difficulties, sweating, and tachypnea due to increased energy expenditure and potential heart failure.
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): Although less common in newborns, GERD can cause vomiting, feeding difficulties, and sweating due to discomfort.
  • Neonatal abstinence syndrome: Newborns exposed to substances in utero may exhibit symptoms like sweating, sneezing, and feeding difficulties due to withdrawal.
• Do Not Miss Diagnoses
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: This condition can lead to life-threatening adrenal crisis, presenting with vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially tachypnea. Early diagnosis is crucial.
  • Intestinal obstruction: Conditions like pyloric stenosis or intestinal atresia can cause vomiting and feeding difficulties, necessitating prompt surgical intervention.
  • Inborn errors of metabolism: Certain metabolic disorders can present with nonspecific symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and tachypnea, requiring urgent diagnosis to prevent severe outcomes.
• Rare Diagnoses
  • Congenital infections (e.g., toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex): These infections can cause a range of symptoms, including those presented, but are less common.
  • Neurological disorders (e.g., congenital neuromuscular diseases): Certain conditions affecting the nervous system can lead to feeding difficulties, sweating, and respiratory symptoms, though they are less likely than other diagnoses listed.