Question

• What is respiratory distress syndrome? Why do premature infants suffer from RDS? Why do adults suffer from RDS? What are the common treatments for both infants and adults?

  
  

• Marcus is born with transposition of the great arteries, in which the aorta arises from the right ventricle and the pulmonary artery arises from the left. Assuming no other anatomical abnormalities, trace the flow of blood through his body. What affect will this have on his cardiovascular system? Is correction necessary or could he live a normal life?

Answer 1

Respiratory distress syndrome is commonly seen in neonates mostly in premature babies due to the lack of surfactant in the lung. Surfactants are compounds that lower the surface tension which help in gas exchange. Main symptom shown by the patient in rapid respiration.

The premature babies are more prone to RDS because of their immature respiratory system development. Due to this immature development the lung cannot produce enough amount of surfactant in lung.

RDS may also occur in adult. Adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has conditions such as burns, amniotic fluid embolism, acute pancreatitis, trauma, sepsis and damage as a result of elective surgery in general. This will lead to decreased production of surfactant.

Common treatment to correct RDS is surfactant therapy. In this we are administering surfactant. Oxygen administration to maintain adequate oxygen saturation and reduce the respiratory rate.