Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Question 1

What is respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 1

A condition that affects premature neonates due to a lack of surfactant

Question 2

What age infants does respiratory distress syndrome typically affect?

Answer 2

Premature neonates less than 32 weeks gestation

Question 3

Why does respiratory distress syndrome occur?

Answer 3

Inadequate surfactant leads to high surface tension within the alveoli. This causes lung collapse as it is more difficult for the alveoli to expand and the lungs to inflate. This leads to hypoxia and hypercapnia

Question 4

What appearance may be seen on CXR?

Answer 4

Ground glass appearance

Question 5

What is given to mothers suspected of giving birth preterm?

Answer 5

Antenatal steroids - dexamethasone

Question 6

What is the first line treatment of neonatal respiratory distress?

Answer 6

Endotracheal artificial surfactant

Question 7

What other supportive measures may be taken in a neonate with respiratory distress?

Answer 7

Intubation and ventilation
CPAP
Supplementary oxygen

Question 8

What are the short term complications of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 8

Pneumothorax
Infection
Apnoea
Intraventricular haemorrhage
Necrotising enterocolitis

Question 9

What are the long term complications of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 9

Chronic lung disease of prematurity
Retinopathy of prematurity
Hearing impairment
Visual impairment

Question 10

What are the signs of respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 10

Rapid laboured breathing
Nasal flaring
Grunting
Recessions
Cyanosis

Question 11

What are the differentials of respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 11

Transient tachypnoea of the newborn
Meconium aspiration
Pneumonia