MANAGEMENT OF RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME

Abstract

Respiratory Distress Syndrome is a name given to a disease affecting newborn babies, especially those born before term. Its full title is idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn, and it is also called membrane disease, a title which carries the assumption that, should the lung become available for histology, hyaline membranes will be found in the alveoli. Possibly, at the present state of knowledge, it should be called pulmonary surfactant deficiency disease of the newborn. There are, of course, a number of causes of respiratory difficulty and distress in newborn babies (Avery and Fletcher, 1974). Any discussion of the management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) must start with the assumption that clinical and radiological criteria for the diagnosis have been met (Scopes, 1971). Although there are some general measures common to managing all babies with respiratory difficulties, precise details will inevitably depend on precise diagnosis.