Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs mainly in infants who are born prematurely. It causes newborns to have difficulty breathing. If it is not properly treated, RDS can result in complications, such as an infection of the bloodstream and bleeding into the brain. In severe cases, RDS can lead to convulsions and death.
RDS occurs in premature infants because their lungs have not developed enough. Immature lungs lack surfactant. Surfactant is a foamy fluid that is crucial for the air sacs in the lungs to expand and take in air. When there is not enough surfactant, the lungs cannot expand and the baby has a hard time breathing.
The chance of developing RDS decreases as the fetus grows. Babies born after 36 weeks rarely develop this condition.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
The following symptoms usually start immediately or within a few hours after birth:
The doctor will ask about the mother's medical history and pregnancy. The baby will also be evaluated, as outlined here:
Amniotic fluid may be tested for indicators of fetal lung maturity such as:
Treatment for a baby with RDS usually includes oxygen and may also include:
A mechanical respirator (breathing machine) is used to keep the air sacs from collapsing and to improve the exchange of oxygen and other gases in the lungs. This treatment helps the baby breathe better and is almost always required in severe RDS. High-frequency ventilation may be used to reduce lung injury.
Surfactant can be given to help the air sacs in the lungs expand and take in more oxygen. There are two options, both of which are delivered directly into the baby's windpipe. One type of surfactant comes from cows and the other is synthetic. As the surfactant takes effect, use of the respirator can gradually be reduced.
This inhaled gas may be used to improve oxygenation.
Newborns with RDS may be given food and water by the following means:
Steps to help prevent RDS can be taken at a few different times.
To reduce your chance of having a premature baby:
If you are at high risk of giving birth to a premature baby:
After delivery, if a premature baby has a very high chance of developing RDS, surfactant may be given right after birth to help the baby breathe better.
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
About Kids Health
http://www.aboutkidshealth.ca
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/index-eng.php
References:
American Lung Association website. Available at: http://www.lungusa.org .
RM Kleigman, RE Behrman, HB Jenson, BF Stanton. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th Edition. Eds. Saunders Publishers, Philadelphia PA, 2007.
The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy . Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 1999.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Kari Kassir, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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