Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome Health Article

Definition

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

Alternative Names

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

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.

Symptoms

The symptoms usually appear within minutes of birth, although they may not be seen for several hours. Symptoms may include:

• Bluish color of the skin and mucus membranes (cyanosis)
• Brief stop in breathing (apnea)
• Decreased urine output
• Grunting
• Nasal flaring
• Puffy or swollen arms or legs
• Rapid breathing
• Shallow breathing
• Shortness of breath and grunting sounds while breathing
• Unusual breathing movement -- drawing back of the chest muscles with breathing

Signs and tests

A blood gas analysis shows low oxygen and excess acid in the body fluids.

A chest x-ray shows respiratory distress. The lungs have a characteristic "ground glass" appearance, which often develops 6 to 12 hours after birth. Lung function studies may be needed.

Lab tests are done to rule out infection and sepsis as a cause of the respiratory distress.

Treatment

High-risk and premature infants require prompt attention by a neonatal resuscitation team.

Despite greatly improved RDS treatment in recent years, many controversies still exist. Delivering artificial surfactant directly to the infant's lungs can be enormously important, but how much should be given and who should receive it and when is still under investigation.

Infants will be given warm, moist oxygen. This is critically important, but needs to be given carefully to reduce the side effects associated with too much oxygen.

A breathing machine can be lifesaving, especially for babies with the following:

• High levels of carbon dioxide in the arteries
• Low blood oxygen in the arteries
• Low blood pH (acidity)

It can also be lifesaving for infants with repeated breathing pauses. There are a number of different types of breathing machines available. However, the devices can damage fragile lung tissues, and breathing machines should be avoided or limited when possible.

A treatment called continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) that delivers slightly pressurized air through the nose can help keep the airways open and may prevent the need for a breathing machine for many babies. Even with CPAP, oxygen and pressure will be reduced as soon as possible to prevent side effects associated with excessive oxygen or pressure.

A variety of other treatments may be used, including:

• Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to directly put oxygen in the blood if a breathing machine can't be used
• Inhaled nitric oxide to improve oxygen levels

It is important that all babies with RDS receive excellent supportive care, including the following, which help reduce the infant's oxygen needs:

• Few disturbances
• Gentle handling
• Maintaining ideal body temperature

Infants with RDS also need careful fluid management and close attention to other situations, such as infections, if they develop.

Expectations (prognosis)

The condition often worsens for 2 to 4 days after birth with slow improvement thereafter. Some infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome will die, although this is rare on the first day of life. If it occurs, it usually happens between days 2 and 7.

Long-term complications may develop as a result of oxygen toxicity, high pressures delivered to the lungs, the severity of the condition itself, or periods when the brain or other organs did not receive enough oxygen.