Respiratory distress syndorme

Question 1

What is respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 1

Premature neonates born before lings start producing adequate surfactant - below 32 weeks

Question 2

Appearance of RDS on CXR

Answer 2

Ground glass

Question 3

Pathophysiology of RDS

Answer 3

Inadequate surfactant - high surface tension in alveoli -> atelectasis as more difficult lungs expand
-> inadequate gaseous exchange -> hypoxia, hypercapnia and resp distress

Question 4

Management of RDS maternal

Answer 4

Antenatal steroids eg dexamethasone given to mothers sus or confirmed preterm labour - increases surfactant production and reduces the incidence and severity RDS in baby

Question 5

Premature neonate supprt with RDS

Answer 5

Intubation and ventilation
Endotracheal surfactant via Endo tube
CPAP - nasal mask
Supplementary oxygen

Question 6

What maintain oxygen sats as in preterm neonates

Answer 6

91-95% O2

Question 7

Short term complications RDS

Answer 7

Pneumothorax
Infection
Apnoea
Intraventricular haemorrhage
Pumonary haemorrhage
Necrotising enterocolitis

Question 8

Long term complications of RDS

Answer 8

Chronic lung disease of prematurity
Retinopathy of prenaturity
Neurological, hearing and visual impairment