A 32-week preterm infant born to an unmedicated mother develops grunting, tachypnea, intercostal retractions, and cyanosis within 30 minutes of birth. Chest radiography shows diffuse 'ground-glass' reticulogranular infiltrates and air bronchograms. What is the primary pathophysiology?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: D. Deficiency of pulmonary surfactant produced by type II alveolar cells
- Step 1: Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is primarily caused by pulmonary surfactant deficiency in premature infants.
- Step 2: Surfactant reduces surface tension in small alveoli; its absence causes widespread alveolar atelectasis and ventilation-perfusion mismatch.
- Step 3: Ground-glass appearance on chest X-ray is characteristic.
Answer
Deficiency of pulmonary surfactant produced by type II alveolar cells.
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