Neonatal Flashcards
1
Q
Respiratory distress syndrome
A
A disease of prematurity
Previously called hyaline membrane disease
Incidence increases with increasing degree of prematurity
Uncommon after 35 weeks
Pathophysiology:
SUMMARY - Surfactant deficiency -> alveolar collapse -> ventilation-perfusion mismatch -> pulmonary oedema -> respiratory distress
Structural lung immaturity with low numbers of alveoli
Alveoli contain type II cells which secrete surfactant
Decreased surfactant levels
Surfactant reduces surface tension in fluid lining of lung air spaces
Increased surface tension leads to collapse of air spaces during breathing (atelectasis)
Hyaline membrane forms which blocks gas exchange
Oxidative stress from free radical formation and inflammation
Treatment:
