Definition:
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome pertains to a relatively common complication affecting prematurely born infants. Also called infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS), hyaline membrane disease, or respiratory distress syndrome in infants, this condition is characterized by breathing difficulties.
Diagnosis:
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome can be diagnosed through: blood gas analysis showing low oxygen levels and high acids in body fluids; chest X-rays showing respiratory distress; and lab tests to rule out other possible causes of the symptoms.
Treatment:
In high-risk cases, prompt attention and urgent emergency care must be given by a neonatal resuscitation team. Artificial surfactant may be delivered into the infant's lungs, along with warm, moist oxygen. Breathing machines and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are also vital in treatment. Other measures used in therapy include: extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) and inhaled nitric oxide to improve oxygen levels.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome typically appear within a few minutes of birth, and may include: cyanosis or a bluish discoloration of the skin and mucus membranes; apnea or brief stops in breathing; decreased urine output; nasal flaring; puffy or swollen limbs; rapid or shallow breathing; and shortness of breath with distinct grunting sounds while breathing.
Causes:
Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome results when an infant is born with underdeveloped lungs. The disorder is primarily caused by the absence of a surfactant, or a protective substance that enables the lungs to inflate with air and keeps the air sacs from collapsing. When an infant is born prematurely, its lungs or other organs may not have yet developed fully. In infants born with immature or underdeveloped lungs, neonatal respiratory disease syndrome can arise as a complication. In some cases, the disease may be caused by genetic problems with lung development.
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neonatalrespiratorydistresssyndrome
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