Hylaine membrane disease
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Synonyms and keywords: Respiratory distress syndrome; surfactant deficient disease
Overview
Hyaline membrane disease is the most common cause of death in newborns. It results from inability of premature type II pneumocytes to make surfactant. Surfactant reduces surface tension. Alveoli collapse when surfactant is not present
Diagnosis
Imaging findings are
- Low lung volumes
- Bilateral granular opacities (represent areas of collapsed alveoli mixed with areas of open alveoli)
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Post surfactant treatment
Treatment
- Treatment may be achieved through the administration of surfactant
- Pros:
- Decreased oxygen and ventilator requirements
- Decreased airblock complications
- Deceased intracranial hemorrhage
- Cons:
- Increased Patent Ductus arteriosus.
- Increased pulmonary hemorrhage.