Medical evaluation of abandoned infants less than 61 days of age.

Case: An infant was dropped off in the emergency center by a family who expressed no intent to return. It was presumed that the infant was born the day before admission based on information gathered by the emergency center. However, no information was provided regarding the infant’s name or place of birth. The patient appeared well and was admitted to the newborn nursery. Vital signs were reassuring, including heart rate 142 beats per minute, respiratory rate 50 breaths per minute, rectal temperature 98.2°F, and pulse oximetry 100% on room air. The gestational age of the infant was estimated to be 39 weeks based on Ballard examination. Growth percentiles were appropriate for gestational age, including weight 3396 g (70%), length 49.5 cm (60%), and head circumference 34 cm (60%).