Respiratory Distress Syndrome Case Study

Respiratory Distress Syndrome

• Lecithin – It is a nitrogen-containing glycerophospholipid.
• Sphingomyelin- It is a sphingophospholipid.
• Composition of surfactant- Dipalmitoyl lecithin (40%), other phospholipids (40%), Surfactant proteins (5%), and Cholesterol (5%).

Read And Learn More: Biochemistry Clinical Case Studies With Answers

Case 1: Hypoxia And Retention Of Carbon Dioxide

A diabetic mother delivered a premature baby at the 34th week of gestation with clinical features of rapid breathing with grunting sounds, blue-colored fingers, flaring of alae-nasi, and retraction of ribs and sternum. X-ray chest revealed prominent bronchial air shadows and generalized opacity. ABG analysis confirmed hypoxia and retention of carbon dioxide. Amniotic fluid analysis showed low lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio (L/S).

Question 1. What is the most probable diagnosis?
Answer:

Respiratory distress syndrome is caused by the deficiency of pulmonary surfactant (dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine) in the lungs of neonates, most commonly in those born before the 37th week of gestation.

Question 2. What is the role of phosphatidylcholine as a surfactant in the lungs?
Answer:

Phosphatidylcholine secreted by Type II pneumocytes in conjugation with specific proteins and other phospholipids is found in the extracellular fluid and surrounds the alveoli of the lungs, where it decreases the surface tension of the fluid to prevent lung collapse during breathing.

Question 3. What is the treatment for RDS?
Answer:

Continuous positive air pressure therapy using humidified incubator helps restore normal lung function.