Respiratory Problems in Newborn Infants

Abstract

An extensive clinical experience with neonatal respiratory disturbances is summarized, describing the usual presenting signs, differential diagnosis, natural course, and management. It is usually possible to reach a specific diagnosis primarily on the basis of clinical signs. Specific therapy aimed at demonstrable disturbances such as acidosis, hyperkalemia, tension pneumothorax, infection and heart failure should be used vigorously and intelligently, rather than a blind, “shotgun” approach. A method of therapy for the respiratory distress syndrome (hyaline membrane syndrome) is outlined which has reduced the mortality rate by half.