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Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome - Overview

Alternative Names

Hyaline membrane disease; Infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS); Respiratory distress syndrome in infants; RDS - infants

Definition of Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome:

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is most commonly a complication seen in premature infants. The condition makes it difficult to breathe.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Neonatal RDS occurs in infants whose lungs have not yet fully developed.

The disease is mainly caused by a lack of a slippery, protective substance called surfactant, which helps the lungs inflate with air and keeps the air sacs from collapsing. This substance normally appears in mature lungs.

It can also be the result of genetic problems with lung development.

The earlier a baby is born, the less developed the lungs are and the higher the chance of neonatal RDS. Most cases are seen in babies born before 28 weeks. It is very uncommon in infants born full-term (at 40 weeks).

In addition to prematurity, the following increase the risk of neonatal RDS:

A brother or sister who had RDS
Diabetes in the mother
Cesarean delivery
Delivery complications that lead to acidosis in the newborn at birth
Multiple pregnancy (twins or more)
Rapid labor

The risk of neontal RDS may be decreased if the pregnant mother has chronic, pregnancy-related high blood pressure or prolonged rupture of membranes, because the stress of these situations cause the infant's lungs to mature sooner.

Reviewed last on: 9/5/2007
Alan Greene, MD, FAAP, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford UniversitySchool of Medicine, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital; Chief MedicalOfficer, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Cloherty J, Stark A, Eichenwald E. Manual of Neonatal Care. 5th ed. Lippincott, Wilkins and Williams; 2003.

Cole FS. Defects in surfactant synthesis: clinical implications. Pediatr Clin North Am. Oct 2006; 53(5): 911-27.

Courtney SE. Continuous positive airway pressure and noninvasive ventilation. Clin Perinatol. Mar 2007; 34(1): 73-92.

Kinsella JP, Inhaled nitric oxide in the premature newborn. J Pediatr. Jul 2007; 151(1): 10-5.

Lampland AL. The role of high-frequency ventilation in neonates: evidence-based recommendations. Clin Perinatol. Mar 2007; 34(1): 129-44.

Stevens TP. Surfactant replacement therapy. Chest. May 2007; 131(5): 1577-82.

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