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Management of respiratory distress syndrome: an update
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Case Western Reserve University, and Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio 44106, USA. rjr8@po.cwru.edu.
Insights
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) affects preterm infants, but mortality has decreased due to improved neonatal care and surfactant therapy. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia remains a significant concern, necessitating optimized respiratory support strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a primary respiratory disorder in preterm infants.
- Advances in neonatal care, antenatal steroids, and surfactant replacement therapy have reduced RDS mortality.
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) persists as a major cause of morbidity in preterm infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current management strategies for respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.
- To highlight the role of surfactant replacement therapy.
- To discuss contemporary ventilatory support approaches for preterm neonates with RDS.
Main Methods:
- Review of current literature on respiratory distress syndrome management.
- Analysis of surfactant replacement therapy protocols.
- Examination of various ventilatory support modalities.
Main Results:
- Significant reduction in mortality from respiratory distress syndrome.
- Persistent high rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) as a key morbidity.
- Importance of a multidisciplinary approach for optimal outcomes.
Conclusions:
- While RDS mortality has improved, managing BPD remains critical.
- Surfactant replacement therapy and tailored ventilatory strategies are essential.
- Optimizing respiratory support requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach.
Abstract:
Respiratory distress syndrome is the most common respiratory disorder in preterm infants. Over the last decade, because of improvements in neonatal care and increased use of antenatal steroids and surfactant replacement therapy, mortality from respiratory distress syndrome has dropped substantially. However, respiratory morbidity, primarily bronchopulmonary dysplasia, remains unacceptably high. The management of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants is based on various modalities of respiratory support and the application of fundamental principles of neonatal care. To obtain best results, a multidisciplinary approach is crucial. This review discusses surfactant replacement therapy and some of the current strategies in ventilatory management of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.