Respiratory Disorders of the Newborn

Abstract

The normal neonate, within a short time of birth, abruptly ceases to exchange gas via the placenta and establishes satisfactory pulmonary function. However, this transition is not always free from problems and respiratory disorders are still a frequent and important cause of neonatal death. These difficulties in transition are especially likely to occur when the lung alveoli are functionally and anatomically ill-developed as in the immature infant. The inhalation of infected liquor and the aspiration of meconium are the two other important causes of respiratory distress in the neonate.