Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: diagnosis and treatment

Diagnosis of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome involves arterial blood gas analysis showing hypoxemia and hypercapnia, confirming respiratory acidosis, and x-ray, which shows reduced lung volumes and characteristic "ground glass" appearance with air bronchograms.

Treatment involves continuous positive airway pressure which props open the alveoli during respiration. In case of severe persistent distress, we intubate and mechanically ventilate. Exogenous surfactant is administered to reduce alveolar surface tension. Supportive management includes serial blood pressure monitoring since respiratory distress syndrome can cause hypotension, thermoregulation to prevent increased metabolic demand and oxygen consumption, nutritional consult to ensure adequate caloric intake, and maintenance of a net negative fluid balance to support lung function and prevent complications like pulmonary edema. Also monitor oxygen saturation

Chest x-ray image taken from Radiopaedia