children s health issues
Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns
Prevention of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Newborns
Before birth, doctors are able to test the maturity of the fetus's lungs by measuring the level of surfactant in the amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is collected from the sac surrounding the fetus during a procedure called Amniocentesis or is collected from the mother's vagina if the membranes have ruptured. The surfactant level helps doctors determine the best time to deliver the fetus. The risk of respiratory distress syndrome is greatly reduced if delivery can be safely delayed until the fetus’s lungs have produced sufficient surfactant. When premature birth cannot be avoided, obstetricians may give the mother injections of a corticosteroid (betamethasone). The corticosteroid goes into the fetus through the placenta and accelerates the production of surfactant. Within 48 hours after the injections are started, the fetus's lungs may mature to the point that respiratory distress syndrome is less likely to develop after delivery or, if it does develop, is likely to be milder. After delivery, doctors may give a surfactant preparation to newborns who are at high risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome. At-risk newborns are those who were delivered before 30 weeks of Gestational Age , especially those whose mother did not receive corticosteroids. The surfactant preparation can be lifesaving and reduces the risk of some complications, such as collapse of the lung ( Surfactant therapy is given to newborns through a tube placed in the mouth that leads to the windpipe (called endotracheal intubation) and may be given immediately after birth in the delivery room to attempt to prevent respiratory distress syndrome before symptoms develop. 