Non-pulmonary causes of acute respiratory distress in neonates: Report of two cases

Abstract

Acute respiratory distress (ARD) in neonates is a dangerous condition that is usually brought on by pulmonary dysfunction. Congenital diaphragmatic hernia and oesophageal atresia with tracheo-oesophageal fistula are examples of non-pulmonary causes of acute respiratory distress. Though rare, they are potentially fatal and successful management entails a multidisciplinary approach, which includes surgical intervention, use of critical care facilities such as the intensive care unit and paediatric supervision. We present two cases, each outlining one of the above named non-pulmonary causes of ARD, its management and outcome. Management of the congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) was successful and the baby is still doing well. The baby with oesophageal atresia (OA) died during treatment, though the therapeutic procedures undertaken are presented here for academic purposes.


East African Medical Journal Vol.81(10) 2004: 540-543