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Respiratory distress syndrome — MRCPCH FOP MCQ

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HardNeonatologyRespiratory distress syndromeMRCPCH FOP

A 29-week premature boy develops grunting, recession and oxygen requirement within 30 minutes of birth. Chest radiograph shows low lung volumes with diffuse reticulogranular shadowing. What is the most likely diagnosis?

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Correct answer: C — Respiratory distress syndrome

Prematurity, early respiratory distress and a low-volume reticulogranular chest radiograph are typical of surfactant-deficiency respiratory distress syndrome. Transient tachypnoea usually occurs in term or near-term babies and shows hyperinflation with fluid in fissures. Meconium aspiration requires meconium exposure and often patchy hyperinflation. The pearl is that gestation and radiograph volume help distinguish neonatal respiratory diagnoses.

Reference: NICE NG124 Specialist neonatal respiratory care