Which of the following will our the diagnosis of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in new born?: (A) Receipt of antenatal steroids, (B) Air bronchogram in chest x-ray, (C) Manifests after 6 hours, (D) Occurs after term gestation
Answer is B. Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or Hyaline membrane disease (HMD): It is the commonest cause of respiratory distress in a preterm neonate often less than 34 weeks of gestation. Other risk factors for its development includes asphyxia, acidosis, maternal diabetes and caesarean section. Respiratory distress usually manifest within first 6 hours of life. Administration of antenatal coicosteroids reduces the incidence of RDS, Necrotising enterocolitis and Intraventricular hemorrhage. Chest X-ray features of RDS: Bilateral diffuse reticulogranular opacities in the pulmonary parenchyma, pronounced hypoaeration, ground glass opacity, low lung volume, "prominent air bronchograms" (aerated bronchioles superim posed on a background of collapsed alveoli) or whiteout lung.