By ULY CLINIC staff

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Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)

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RDS Refers to an acute lung disease present at birth, which occurs almost exclusively in preterm babies, presents immediately after delivery. RDS is common disorder that affect newborn born before 28th week of gestation age and is less likely to affect term infant

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Diagnostic Criteria

• Tachypnea

• Grunting, intercostal recession

• Cyanosis

• Irregular breathing, then Apnoea and /or hypothermia

 

Investigation

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• Arterial blood gas (ABG)analysis

• CXR (after 4-6hours)

 

Treatment
 

Non Pharmacological treatment

 

• Oxygen to keep the saturation between 90-95%

• Continuous Positive Pressure Ventilation (CPAP)

• Keep infant warm

Pharmacological treatment

 

• Give IV fluid as shown in the table above 6 hours of life. A repeated dose may be given at 6 to 12 hours interval

• Early surfactant administration 4ml (100mg)/kg through ETT within

• Followed by nasal CPAP

• If no response to CPAP will need mechanical ventilation

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Last updated on 22.08.2020

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References

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1. NIH. Respiratory distress syndrome. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/respiratory-distress-syndromeAugust 22.02.2020

2. Tanzania standard treatment guideline edition 2017. page 54