Neonatal Respiratory Distress

A special issue of Children (ISSN 2227-9067). This special issue belongs to the section "Pediatric Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 February 2021) | Viewed by 67044

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, UH Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Interests: neonatal lung biology; hyperoxia; surfactant; natriuretic peptide system
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
Interests: the developing lung; nitrosylated compounds; bronchial airway hyperreactivity; oxygenation patterns
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Neonatal respiratory distress is a broad, but very common problem. We hope to highlight novel concepts regarding the pathophysiology of neonatal respiratory distress, including those involving classic respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)/surfactant deficiency, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), pulmonary insufficiency of prematurity (factors related to the need for respiratory support due to small size, immaturity, control of breathing, etc.), and evolving early bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), as well as less common etiologies of neonatal respiratory distress such as acute lung injury/acute (adult) RDS (ARDS), congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH), tracheomalacia, and other anatomic problems. We are seeking both reviews, highlighting gaps in knowledge, as well as original research, including pilot studies and translational laboratory studies pertinent to the topic.  We are especially interested in studies supporting or introducing novel therapies and their mechanisms of action, such as new modes of surfactant delivery, antenatal and perinatal steroids, anti-oxidants, and other early-stage pharmacotherapies. During the ever-changing time of the novel SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic, we would also welcome works pertaining to practice modifications and challenges in the delivery room management of RDS, non-invasive positive pressure, and intubation.

The goal of this Special Issue in Children is to highlight the scientific understanding of the factors that contribute to neonatal respiratory distress, as well as advances in therapeutic approaches across a variety of settings.  Senior investigators are welcome to invite mentees and colleagues to co-author submissions under their supervision.  It is our intention that this Special Issue will appeal to both newborn medical providers and neonatal researchers from a variety of backgrounds, including nurses, advanced providers, therapists, pharmacists, physicians, and scientists.

Prof. Dr. Rita Marie Ryan
Dr. Thomas M. Raffay
Guest Editors

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Keywords

  • neonatal lung disease
  • prematurity
  • oxygenation
  • positive pressure
  • intubation
  • newborn resuscitation
  • congenital anomalies
  • hypoxic respiratory failure
  • surfactant

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 3807 KiB  
Article
A Quality Improvement Initiative to Reduce Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in a Level 4 NICU—Golden Hour Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Preterm Newborns
by Andrew M. Dylag, Jamey Tulloch, Karen E. Paul and Jeffrey M. Meyers
Children 2021, 8(4), 301; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040301 - 15 Apr 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 5846
Abstract
Background: Prevention of chronic lung disease (CLD) requires a multidisciplinary approach spanning from the delivery room to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge. In 2018, a quality improvement (QI) initiative commenced in a level 4 NICU with the goal of decreasing chronic lung [...] Read more.
Background: Prevention of chronic lung disease (CLD) requires a multidisciplinary approach spanning from the delivery room to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) discharge. In 2018, a quality improvement (QI) initiative commenced in a level 4 NICU with the goal of decreasing chronic lung disease rates below the Vermont Oxford Network (VON) average of 24%. Methods: Improvement strategies focused on addressing the primary drivers of ventilation strategies, surfactant administration, non-invasive ventilation, medication use, and nutrition/fluid management. The primary outcome was VON CLD, defined as need for mechanical ventilation and/or supplemental oxygen use at 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Statistical process control charts were used to display and analyze data over time. Results: The overall CLD rate decreased from 33.5 to 16.5% following several interventions, a 51% reduction that has been sustained for >18 months. Changes most attributable to this include implementation of the “golden hour” gestational age (GA) based delivery room protocol that encourages early surfactant administration and timely extubation. Fewer infants were intubated across all GA groups with the largest improvement among infants 26–27 weeks GA. Conclusions: Our efforts significantly decreased CLD through GA-based respiratory guidelines and a comprehensive, rigorous QI approach that can be applicable to other teams focused on improvement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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14 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
Examining Variations in Surfactant Administration (ENVISION): A Neonatology Insights Pilot Project
by Priya Patel, Andrew Houck and Daniel Fuentes
Children 2021, 8(4), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040261 - 28 Mar 2021
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2858
Abstract
Variability in neonatal clinical practice is well recognized. Respiratory management involves interdisciplinary care and often is protocol driven. The most recent published guidelines for management of respiratory distress syndrome and surfactant administration were published in 2014 and may not reflect current clinical practice [...] Read more.
Variability in neonatal clinical practice is well recognized. Respiratory management involves interdisciplinary care and often is protocol driven. The most recent published guidelines for management of respiratory distress syndrome and surfactant administration were published in 2014 and may not reflect current clinical practice in the United States. The goal of this project was to better understand variability in surfactant administration through conduct of health care provider (HCP) interviews. Questions focused on known practice variations included: use of premedication, decisions to treat, technique of surfactant administration and use of guidelines. Data were analyzed for trends and results were communicated with participants. A total of 54 HCPs participated from June to September 2020. In almost all settings, neonatologists or nurse practitioners intubated the infant and respiratory therapists administered surfactant. The INSURE (INtubation-SURrfactant-Extubation) technique was practiced by 83% of participants. Premedication prior to intubation was used by 76% of HCPs. An FiO2 ≥ 30% was the most common threshold for surfactant administration (48%). In conclusion, clinical practice variations exist in respiratory management and surfactant administration and do not seem to be specific to NICU level or institution type. It is unknown what effects the variability in clinical practice might have on clinical outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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Review

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10 pages, 1171 KiB  
Review
Molecular Mechanisms of Maternal Diabetes Effects on Fetal and Neonatal Surfactant
by Hilal Yildiz Atar, John E. Baatz and Rita M. Ryan
Children 2021, 8(4), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040281 - 6 Apr 2021
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 8813
Abstract
Respiratory distress is a significant contributor to newborn morbidity and mortality. An association between infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been well recognized for decades. As obesity and diabetes prevalence have increased over the past several decades, more [...] Read more.
Respiratory distress is a significant contributor to newborn morbidity and mortality. An association between infants of diabetic mothers (IDMs) and respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been well recognized for decades. As obesity and diabetes prevalence have increased over the past several decades, more women are overweight and diabetic in the first trimester, and many more pregnant women are diagnosed with gestational diabetes. Glycemic control during pregnancy can be challenging due to the maternal need for higher caloric intake and higher insulin resistance. Surfactant is a complex molecule at the alveolar air–liquid interface that reduces surface tension. Impaired surfactant synthesis is the primary etiology of RDS. In vitro cell line studies, in vivo animal studies with diabetic rat offspring, and clinical studies suggest hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia can disrupt surfactant lipid and protein synthesis, causing delayed maturation in surfactant in IDMs. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms responsible for surfactant dysfunction in IDMs may improve clinical strategies to prevent diabetes-related complications and improve neonatal outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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10 pages, 457 KiB  
Review
Antenatal Corticosteroids: Extending the Practice for Late-Preterm and Scheduled Early-Term Deliveries?
by Zeyar T. Htun, Jacqueline C. Hairston, Cynthia Gyamfi-Bannerman, Jaime Marasch and Ana Paula Duarte Ribeiro
Children 2021, 8(4), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040272 - 1 Apr 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 6204
Abstract
Respiratory distress in late-preterm and early term infants generally may warrant admission to a special care nursery or an intensive care unit. In particular, respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn are the two most common respiratory morbidities. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) [...] Read more.
Respiratory distress in late-preterm and early term infants generally may warrant admission to a special care nursery or an intensive care unit. In particular, respiratory distress syndrome and transient tachypnea of the newborn are the two most common respiratory morbidities. Antenatal corticosteroids (ACS) facilitate surfactant production and lung fluid resorption. The use of ACS has been proven to be beneficial for preterm infants delivered at less than 34 weeks’ gestation. Literature suggests that the benefits of giving antenatal corticosteroids may extend to late-preterm and early term infants as well. This review discusses the short-term benefits of ACS administration in reducing respiratory morbidities, in addition to potential long term adverse effects. An update on the current practices of ACS use in pregnancies greater than 34 weeks’ gestation and considerations of possibly extending versus restricting this practice to certain settings will also be provided. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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9 pages, 703 KiB  
Review
Neonatal Respiratory Distress Secondary to Meconium Aspiration Syndrome
by Arielle L. Olicker, Thomas M. Raffay and Rita M. Ryan
Children 2021, 8(3), 246; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030246 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 13977
Abstract
Infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) are 100 times more likely than infants born through clear amniotic fluid to develop respiratory distress in the neonatal period. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a common cause of respiratory distress in term and post-mature neonates. [...] Read more.
Infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid (MSAF) are 100 times more likely than infants born through clear amniotic fluid to develop respiratory distress in the neonatal period. Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) is a common cause of respiratory distress in term and post-mature neonates. MAS is defined as respiratory distress accompanied by a supplemental oxygen requirement in an infant born with MSAF, in the absence of any other identified etiology to explain the symptoms. Therapy for MAS is supportive, and should be tailored to each infant’s specific pathophysiology. In cases of MAS with severe persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN), patients may remain hypoxic despite aggressive ventilation, and in these cases surfactant, inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) can be life-saving. Long-term prognosis for MAS is more related to severity of initial hypoxemia and possible neurological insult than to the pulmonary pathology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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13 pages, 721 KiB  
Review
Meconium Aspiration Syndrome: A Narrative Review
by Chiara Monfredini, Francesco Cavallin, Paolo Ernesto Villani, Giuseppe Paterlini, Benedetta Allais and Daniele Trevisanuto
Children 2021, 8(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030230 - 17 Mar 2021
Cited by 38 | Viewed by 18325
Abstract
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory failure occurring in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Worldwide, the incidence has declined in developed countries thanks to improved obstetric practices and perinatal care while challenges persist in developing countries. Despite the [...] Read more.
Meconium aspiration syndrome is a clinical condition characterized by respiratory failure occurring in neonates born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Worldwide, the incidence has declined in developed countries thanks to improved obstetric practices and perinatal care while challenges persist in developing countries. Despite the improved survival rate over the last decades, long-term morbidity among survivors remains a major concern. Since the 1960s, relevant changes have occurred in the perinatal and postnatal management of such patients but the most appropriate approach is still a matter of debate. This review offers an updated overview of the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, management and prognosis of infants with meconium aspiration syndrome. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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17 pages, 1483 KiB  
Review
Hydrogen Sulfide—Clues from Evolution and Implication for Neonatal Respiratory Diseases
by Abhrajit Ganguly, Gaston Ofman and Peter F Vitiello
Children 2021, 8(3), 213; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8030213 - 11 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2788
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been the focus of redox research in the realm of oxidative neonatal respiratory diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Over the years, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) have been identified as important gaseous signaling molecules involved [...] Read more.
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been the focus of redox research in the realm of oxidative neonatal respiratory diseases such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Over the years, nitric oxide (NO) and carbon monoxide (CO) have been identified as important gaseous signaling molecules involved in modulating the redox homeostasis in the developing lung. While animal data targeting aspects of these redox pathways have been promising in treating and/or preventing experimental models of neonatal lung disease, none are particularly effective in human neonatal clinical trials. In recent years, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has emerged as a novel gasotransmitter involved in a magnitude of cellular signaling pathways and functions. The importance of H2S signaling may lie in the fact that early life-forms evolved in a nearly anoxic, sulfur-rich environment and were dependent on H2S for energy. Recent studies have demonstrated an important role of H2S and its synthesizing enzymes in lung development, which normally takes place in a relatively hypoxic intrauterine environment. In this review, we look at clues from evolution and explore the important role that the H2S signaling pathway may play in oxidative neonatal respiratory diseases and discuss future opportunities to explore this phenomenon in the context of neonatal chronic lung disease. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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12 pages, 1429 KiB  
Review
Respiratory Distress in the Newborn with Primary Ciliary Dyskinesia
by Evans Machogu and Benjamin Gaston
Children 2021, 8(2), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8020153 - 18 Feb 2021
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3781
Abstract
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is inherited in a predominantly autosomal recessive manner with over 45 currently identified causative genes. It is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that results in a chronic wet cough and drainage from the paranasal sinuses, chronic otitis media with hearing [...] Read more.
Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is inherited in a predominantly autosomal recessive manner with over 45 currently identified causative genes. It is a clinically heterogeneous disorder that results in a chronic wet cough and drainage from the paranasal sinuses, chronic otitis media with hearing impairment as well as male infertility. Approximately 50% of patients have situs inversus totalis. Prior to the development of chronic oto-sino-pulmonary symptoms, neonatal respiratory distress occurs in more than 80% of patients as a result of impaired mucociliary clearance and mucus impaction causing atelectasis and lobar collapse. Diagnosis is often delayed due to overlapping symptoms with other causes of neonatal respiratory distress. A work up for PCD should be initiated in the newborn with compatible clinical features, especially those with respiratory distress, consistent radiographic findings or persistent oxygen requirement and/or organ laterality defects Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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Other

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9 pages, 3966 KiB  
Case Report
Neonatal Respiratory Distress and Airway Emergency: Report of Two Cases
by Lorenzo Bresciani, Paola Grazioli, Roberta Bosio, Gaetano Chirico, Cesare Zambelloni, Amerigo Santoro, Carla Baronchelli and Luca O. Redaelli de Zinis
Children 2021, 8(4), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8040255 - 25 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2704
Abstract
We discuss two cases of congenital airway malformations seen in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The aim is to report extremely rare events characterized by immediate respiratory distress after delivery and the impossibility to ventilate and intubate the airway. The first case [...] Read more.
We discuss two cases of congenital airway malformations seen in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The aim is to report extremely rare events characterized by immediate respiratory distress after delivery and the impossibility to ventilate and intubate the airway. The first case is a male twin born at 34 weeks by emergency caesarean section. Immediately after delivery, the newborn was cyanotic and showed severe respiratory distress. Bag-valve-mask ventilation did not relieve the respiratory distress but allowed for temporary oxygenation during subsequent unsuccessful oral-tracheal intubation (OTI) attempts. Flexible laryngoscopy revealed complete subglottic obstruction. Postmortem analysis revealed a poly-malformative syndrome, unilateral multicystic renal dysplasia with a complete subglottic diaphragm, and a tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF). The second case is a male patient that was vaginally born at 35 weeks. Antenatally, an ultrasound (US) arose suspicion for a VACTERL association (vertebral defects, anal atresia, TEF with esophageal atresia and radial or renal dysplasia, plus cardiovascular and limb defects) and a TEF, and thus, fetal magnetic resonance (MRI) was scheduled. Spontaneous labor started shortly thereafter, before imaging could be performed. Respiratory distress, cyanosis, and absence of an audible cry was observed immediately at delivery. Attempts at OTI were unsuccessful, whereas bag-valve-mask ventilation and esophageal intubation allowed for sufficient oxygenation. An emergency tracheostomy was attempted, although no trachea could be found on cervical exploration. Postmortem analysis revealed tracheal agenesis (TA), renal dysplasia, anal atresia, and a single umbilical artery. Clinicians need to be aware of congenital airway malformations and subsequent difficulties upon endotracheal intubation and must plan for multidisciplinary management of the airway at delivery, including emergency esophageal intubation and tracheostomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neonatal Respiratory Distress)
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