Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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CynfznO

Health Medical

Description

Highlight the management of acute respiratory distress in the neonate

Discuss the line of management, after the pathophysiology

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Explanation & Answer

Attached.

INTRODUCTION
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a life-threatening
lung
disorder that occurs in premature infants whose lungs
have not
fully developed




RDS is caused by a lack of pulmonary surfactant, a
liquid that coats the inside of the lung



This liquid keeps the air sacs in mature lungs from
collapsing and allows them to inflate with air more easily



In a few cases, RDS can be caused by genetic problems
with lung development

Epidemiology


The incidence and severity are related inversely to the
gestational age of the infant.



It affects approximately one half of infants born at 28-32
weeks of gestation.



It may rarely occur at term.



The incidence of RDS decreases with:[1]





The use of antenatal steroids.
Pregnancy-induced or chronic maternal hypertension.
Prolonged rupture of membranes.
Maternal narcotic addiction.



Risk factors











Premature delivery.
Male infants.
Infants delivered via caesarean section without maternal labour.
Hypothermia.
Perinatal asphyxia.
Maternal diabetes.
Multiple pregnancy.
Family history of IRDS.



Secondary surfactant deficiency may occur in infants as a result
of:[1]







Intrapartum asphyxia.
Pulmonary infection - eg, group B beta-haemolytic streptococcal
pneumonia.
Pulmonary haemorrhage.
Meconium aspiration pneumonia.
Oxygen toxicity along with pressure or volume trauma to the lungs.
Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and pulmonary hypoplasia

Presentation
 Usually preterm delivery.
 Presents very soon after birth with respiratory distress .
 The key clinical features usually become obvious within 4 h of
birth and :










Tachypnoea
expiratory grunting
subcostal
intercostal retractions
diminished breath sounds
cyanosis
nasal flaring.

May rapidly progress to fatigue, apnoea and hypoxia.




Respiratory distress usually occurs in a preterm infant
during the first 3 days of life.
It is a self-limiting condition because birth triggers an
increase in surfactant production



The key clini...


Anonymous
Really useful study material!

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