Respiratory Syndromes in Children

Question 1

What is respiratory distress syndrome?

Answer 1

Relative Surfactant deficiency – increases surface tension. Lack of it results in atelectasis and impairment of gas exchange which means damage to the lungs.

Question 2

What is Chronic Lung Disease?

Answer 2

Oxygen requirement beyond 36 weeks corrected gestation plus evidence of pulmonary parenchymal disease on CXR
Generally follows RDS
Barotrauma, volume trauma, high inspired oxygen

Question 3

What is a Diaphragmatic Hernia?

Answer 3

Associated pulmonary hypoplasia
Commonest- Posterolateral (Bochdalek), left-sided
Respiratory Support

Question 4

What is Transient Tachypnoea of the Newborn?

Answer 4

Term babies – come out grunting
Lung fluid present
Possible infection

Question 5

What are the effects of passive smoking on babies?

Answer 5

Reduces birthweight by 250g
4500 pregnancy losses p.a.
30% increase in Perinatal Mortality
Teratogenic: airways, cleft lip/palate
Glue ear 
Carcinogenic

Question 6

What is Bronchiolitis?

Answer 6

increased work of breathing and possible apnoese
Viral infection – RSV
Usually under 18 months old
More severe in younger babies, ex prem, family of smokers
Tachypnoea, poor feeding, irritating cough
Apnoea in small babies
Treatment is supportive

Question 7

What is Croup?

Answer 7

Viral laryngotracheobronchitis
Stridor, barking cough
Treatment is oral steroid to reduce inflammation

Question 8

When are babies screened for CF?

Answer 8

6 days