Distress syndrome

Distress syndrome: causes, symptoms and treatment methods

Distress syndrome, or respiratory distress syndrome, is one of the most common non-infectious pathologies in newborns. It manifests itself as respiratory failure and occurs as a result of various factors, such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, lack of surfactant and others.

Etiology and pathogenesis

Distress syndrome develops mainly in premature babies from mothers with a burdened obstetric history, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, nephropathy, placental pathology, uterine bleeding. Intrauterine hypoxia, asphyxia and hypercapnia during childbirth in the presence of immature lung tissue can also contribute to the development of distress syndrome.

Under the influence of hypoxia and hypercapnia, pulmonary circulation is disrupted, the interalveolar septa are impregnated with serous fluid with the release of plasma components, in particular fibrin, into the lumen of the alveoli. The formation of hyaline membranes is also possible as a result of a decrease in the fibrinolytic activity of the blood. There is also an absence or a sharp decrease in surfactant activity, which contributes to the occurrence of atelectasis.

Clinical picture

Most children are born in a state of asphyxia and congenital hypoxia, but respiratory disorders may not appear immediately, but several hours after birth. Shortness of breath with a respiratory rate of 60 or more per minute, cyanosis (perioral, acrocyanosis, generalized), pallor of the skin, participation of auxiliary muscles in the act of breathing, chest rigidity and sometimes foam at the mouth may be signs of distress syndrome. For early detection and assessment of the severity of respiratory disorders in newborns, the Silverman scale is used. The assessment is carried out dynamically every 6 hours for 2-3 days.

Treatment

Treatment for distress syndrome includes mechanical ventilation with oxygen and mechanical ventilation. Early use of surfactant, corticosteroids and antibiotics may also be effective. If distress is severe, emergency admission to the intensive care unit may be required.

Conclusion Distress syndrome is a serious disease in newborns that can occur as a result of various factors such as hypoxia, hypercapnia, surfactant deficiency and others. Clinical manifestations include respiratory failure, cyanosis, pale skin, participation of accessory muscles in breathing, and sometimes foam at the mouth. Treatment includes mechanical ventilation, early use of surfactant, corticosteroids and antibiotics, and in severe cases may require emergency admission to the intensive care unit.