Respiratory Distress Syndrome

By Dr. Nahed Al- Nagger

Learning Objectives

Define RDS or HMD. List the causes of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). State the predisposing factors. Discuss pathophysiology of hyaline membrane disease (HMD).

Learning Objectives

Identify the clinical manifestations of different disease stages. Describe the therapeutic management of RDS. Design plan of care for baby with RDS.

Respiratory Distress Syndrome (Hyaline Membrane Disease)

Causes:

Immature development of the respiratory system or inadequate amount of surfactant in the lungs. RDS is the leading cause of respiratory failure in preterm neonates. It is more common in males than females.

Predisposing Factors:
Premature

infant. Asphyxia at birth. Infant of diabetic mothers. Cesarean Section delivery. Previous history of hyaline membrane disease (HMD) in sibling. Multiple pregnancies.

Pathophysiology of HMD:

During intrauterine life, the alveoli are collapsed. Crying of the neonate at birth creates enough negative pressure to open the collapsed alveoli. Alveoli do not collapse at expiration because of the presence of lipoprotein material called surfactant which decreases the surface tension inside the alveoli, thus preventing their collapse during expiration.

Path physiology of HMD:

If

surfactant is deficient, the alveoli cannot be easily distended during inspiration which leads to respiratory distress and hypoxemia.

Assessment Criteria of RDS:

Clinical Manifestations:

Tachypnea (80 to 120 breaths/min). Dyspnea. Substernal retraction. Fine inspiratory crackles. Audible expiratory grunt. Flaring of the nares. Cyanosis or pallor.

As the disease progress:

Flaccidity.

Unresponsiveness
Apnea. Diminished

breath sounds

-assess respiratory status only-

Silverman-Anderson Score

Severe RDS is associated with

Shock

like state. Diminished cardiac output and bradycardia. Low systemic blood pressure.

Diagnostic Tests: Chest x-ray shows congested lung field with a groundglass appearance that represents alveolar atelectasis, and dark streaks.
Respiratory and metabolic acidosis is determined by blood gas analysis.

Therapeutic Management

*Maintain

adequate oxygenation.
*Oxygen

ventilation

and

should

be

warmed

and

humidified

*Maintain

a neutral thermal environment

Therapeutic Management
Maintain

acid-base balance by correct respiratory acidosis through assisted ventilation and correct metabolic acidosis by IV administration of sodium bicarbonate.

 Maintain

adequate hydration and electrolytes level. Nutrition is provided by parenteral therapy during the acute stage. Surfactant therapy installed in trachea.

Nipple and gavage feeding are contraindicated in any situation that creates a marked increase in respiratory rate because of the greater hazards of aspiration.

Nursing Management Nursing Diagnoses:

Infective breathing pattern related to surfactant deficiency, alveolar instability, and pulmonary immaturity.
Impaired gas exchange related to immature alveolar structure and inability to maintain lung expansion.

Nursing Diagnoses:

Ineffective airway clearance related to obstruction or inappropriate positioning of endotracheal tube. Risk for injury related to acid-base imbalance, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels from mechanical ventilation.

Planning
The goals of nursing management are the same as for any high- risk neonate with special emphasis on respiratory needs to:
Facilitate respiratory effort, maintain air exchange and oxygenation. - Prevent complications.

Implementation Nursing management includes all the nursing skills required for any high-risk neonates. In addition special skills and observations as: Suctioning is performed only as necessary.

Implementation
Hyperoxygenation

and a closed suction system can be used to minimize complication during suction. Skin inspection and care. Changing position. Mouth care is also important.

Evaluation

The effectiveness of nursing intervention is determined by continual reassessment and evaluation of care based on: Frequent measurement of neonates vital signs. Observation of signs and symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome.

Prevention of HMD

prevention of premature delivery.

Administration

of corticosteroids to the mother (24 hours to 7 days before delivery). administration of artificial surfactant into trachea of premature neonate.

Prophylactic

Prognosis

RDS is a self- limiting disease if mild, and following a period of deterioration (approximately 48 hrs) and in the absence of complications, affected neonates begin to improve by 72 hours.

Prognosis

Neonates who survive the first 96 hours have a reasonable chance of recovery. Surfactant therapy decreased the use of long term ventilation and decreased period of stay in hospital. It also improves the outcome.