Respiratory disease characterized by a collapsed alveoli due to the lack of surfactant, a substance produced by the lungs to keep the alveoli inflated.
A disease seen mainly in premature infants, who may lack a substance, called surfactant, that stabilizes the air sacs in the lung. Without surfactant, the air sacs collapse, causing respiratory distress; also called infant respiratory distress syndrome.
A disease of the lungs occurring in the newborn in which there is difficulty in breathing, sometimes fatal. It is sometimes referred to as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), although other conditions can cause RDS.
A form of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) found in premature infants and in some of those born by caesarean section, characterized, a few hours after birth, by the onset of difficulty in breathing. Most sufferers require extra oxygen, and many need mechanical ventilation for a few days or even weeks. Recovery is the rule, although the most severely affected may die or suffer damage from oxygen lack. In this condition the alveoles and the finer bronchioles of the lungs are lined with a dense membrane. The cause of the condition is a deficiency of surfactant in the lung passages which adversely affects gas exchanges in the alveoli. Treatment includes the full gamut of neonatal intensive care, as well as specific therapy with pulmonary surfactant.
An enzyme which hydrolyses hyaluronic acid. The latter is a gel-like substance which is widely distributed throughout the body and which helps to bind together the tissue cells; it also acts as a lubricant in joints. It is added to some subcutaneous injections to help spread the injected fluid and therefore its absorption.
Respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn.
Respiratory distress syndrome is a lung condition that predominantly impacts premature infants.