What are the predisposing factors of RDS?
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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) occurs in babies born early (premature) whose lungs are not fully developed. The earlier the infant is born, the more likely it is for them to have RDS and need extra oxygen and help breathing. RDS is caused by the baby not having enough surfactant in the lungs. Surfactant is a liquid made in the lungs at about 26 weeks of pregnancy. As the fetus grows, the lungs make more surfactant. Surfactant coats the tiny air sacs in the lungs and to help keep them from collapsing (Picture 1). The air sacs must be open to allow oxygen to enter the blood from the lungs and carbon dioxide to be released from the blood into the lungs. While RDS is most common in babies born early, other newborns can get it. Those at greater risk are:
Signs and SymptomsBabies who have RDS may show these signs:
DiagnosisThe diagnosis is made after examining the baby and seeing the results of chest X-rays and blood tests. TreatmentOxygen - Babies with RDS need extra oxygen. It may be given several ways:
Surfactant - Surfactant can be given into the baby’s lungs to replace what they do not have. This is given directly down the breathing tube that was placed in the windpipe. Intravenous (IV) catheter treatments - A very small tube called a catheter, is placed into one or two of the blood vessels in the umbilical cord. This is how the infant gets IV fluids, nutrition and medicines. It is also used to take blood samples. Medicines - Sometimes antibiotics are given if an infection is suspected. Calming medicines may be given to help ease pain during treatment. Warning
What to ExpectThe road to recovery is different for each infant. Often RDS gets worse before it gets better. Some babies need more oxygen than others. Some may require a treatment of surfactant. As the baby is able to breathe better, they may need less oxygen and other help to breathe. How to Know if Your Infant is Getting BetterHere are some signs that your baby is getting better. They will:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Newborn (PDF) HH-I-267 ©2011, Revised 2022, Nationwide Children’s Hospital What are predisposing factors of respiratory distress syndrome?The greatest risk factor for respiratory distress syndrome is prematurity, although the syndrome does not occur in all premature newborns. Other risk factors include maternal diabetes, cesarean delivery, and asphyxia.
What are the major factors in the pathophysiology of RDS?PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: The primary cause of RDS is inadequate pulmonary surfactant. The structurally immature and surfactant-deficient lung has ↓ compliance and a tendency to atelectasis; other factors in preterm infants that ↑ the risk of atelectasis are decreased alveolar radius and weak chest wall.
Which condition of delivery would predispose a neonate to respiratory distress syndrome RDS )?RDS is caused by a lack of surfactant in the lungs. The lungs of a fetus start making surfactant during the third trimester, which starts after the 26th week of pregnancy. Surfactant is a foamy substance that keeps the lungs fully expanded so that newborns can breathe in air once they are born.
Which of the following are associated with an increased risk of developing RDS?Lower gestational age and birth weight, lack of exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, perinatal asphyxia, and maternal diabetes are important risk factors for RDS. Clinical signs of RDS often present at or soon after birth and include tachypnea, grunting, chest wall retractions, nasal flaring, and hypoxia.
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