*Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Question 1

What are the signs of RDS?

GRANT-C

Answer 1

• Grunting
• Retractions - intercostal, subcostal or sternal recession
• Apnoea (>20 secs)
• Nasal flaring
• Tachypnoea (RR>60/min) and Tachycardia (HR>160/min)
• Cyanosis - blush discolouration, especially of skin and mucous membranes

Question 2

Causes of RDS?

CHIMP-T

Answer 2

• Cardiac disease
• HMD - (Insufficient surfactant)
• Infection/pneumonia
• Meconium aspiration syndrome
• Pneumothorax
• TTN - transient tachyponea of the newborn

HMD causes: preterm birth, maternal diabetes

Question 3

Treatment of RDS

Answer 3

Ventilation
CPAP
Antibiotics (until proof of no infection)
Treat underlying cause
Parental support

PINK
* Oxygenation
* Ventilation
* Perfusion

WARM
* Thermoregulation

SWEET
* Fluids
* Nutrition

CLEAN
* Infection

Depends on cause

Question 4

Diagnosis of RDS (7)

Answer 4

• FBP, CRP
• Lung sounds, heart sounds, colour
• Oxygen sats
• Chest xray

Question 5

Risk factors for RDS

Answer 5

• Birth before 37 weeks; this condition is more common and more severe with greater prematurity
• Mother with insulin dependent diabetes
• Multiple birth
• Caesarean section delivery
• Meconium at birth
• Cold stress
• Asphyxia
• Precipitous delivery
• Previously affected infant
• Male