Diagnosis and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in full-term newborns

Abstract

To explore the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics and management strategies of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in full-term neonates. A total of 316 full-term infants with RDS were enrolled. The main characteristics of term ineonatal RDS are as following: Term neonatal RDS was more common in boys than in girls. 70.9% of the patients had an onset within 3 hours after birth, 90.2% of them within 6 hours after birth and 99.4% of them within 12 hours after birth. The main causes of ARDS was selective cesarean section, followed by males; while severe infection was the most common cause of secondary RDS, followed by severe birth asphyxia and meconium aspiration syndrome. Illness state was more severe and evolved more rapidly. And it was more likely to develop into persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN) and multiple organ system failure (MOSF), especially myocardial injuries and acute renal failure. Most patients required prolonged mechanical ventilation. The mortality was relatively higher and the major mortality cause was severe infection with MOSF. But their prognosis improved after comprehensive treatment measures including early mechanical ventilation and broad spectrum antibiotics were implemented. Key words: Respiratory distress syndrome, newborn; Signs and symptoms