Definition:
Infant respiratory distress syndrome ("RDS", also known as "Respiratory distress syndrome of newborn", previously called hyaline membrane disease), is a syndrome caused in premature infants by developmental insufficiency of surfactant production and structural immaturity in the lungs. It can also arise from a genetic problem with the production of surfactant associated proteins. RDS affects around 1% of newborn infants and is the leading cause of death in preterm infants.
Diagnosis:
The diagnosis is done by the clinical picture and the chest xray, which demonstrates decreased lung volumes (bell-shaped chest), absence of the thymus (after about 6 hours), a small (0.5-1 mm), discrete, uniform infiltrate (sometimes described as a "ground glass" appearance) that involves all lobes of the lung, and air-bronchograms (ie the infiltrate will outline the larger airways passages which remain air-filled). In extreme cases, this becomes exaggerated until the cardiac borders become inapparent (a 'white-out' appearance).
Treatment:
Oxygen is given with a minute amount of continuous positive airway pressure ("CPAP"), and intravenous fluids are administered to stabilize the blood sugar, blood salts, and blood pressure. If the baby's condition becomes worse, an endotracheal tube (breathing tube) is inserted into the trachea and intermittent breaths are given by a mechanical device. An exogenous preparation of surfactant, either synthetic or extracted from animal lungs, is given via the breathing tube into the lungs.
Symptoms and Signs:
Respiratory distress syndrome starts shortly after birth and is manifest by tachypnea, tachycardia, chest wall retractions (recession), expiratory grunting, flaring of the nostrils and cyanosis during breathing efforts.
Causes:
The biggest risk factor for RDS is prematurity. Other risk factors include maternal diabetes, cesarean delivery, and asphyxia. Not all premature infants end up developing RDS.
:
infantrespiratorydistresssyndrome
The information on this site is for research purposes only and can not substitute for the advice of a medical professional. Ailments.com is not run by doctors and does not engage in the practice of medicine. Our site is not a medical authority, it is just a research tool for you to use in preparation for consulting with a doctor. We can not guarantee our information is accurate or up to date. Even if a statement made about a medical condition is accurate, it may not apply to you or your symptoms, so you should always consult a doctor. Nothing on our site should be construed as an attempt to offer or render a medical opinion or otherwise engage in the practice of medicine.
