Chest radiographic finding in neonatal dyspnea

Abstract EN

Background : respiratory distress is one of the commonest disorders within the firs 48-72 hours of live and any sign of postnatal respiratory distress is an indication for roentgenogram of the chest.

Objectives : is to show the range of chest radiographic findings in full term newborn babies suffering from respiratory distress, at or soon after birth.

Method : this is a prospective study that was conducted in the special care baby units in Baghdad teaching hospital and Children welfare teaching hospital during 2002.

Anteroposterior chest radiograph in supine position of (129) full term newborn babies, presented with a chief complaint of respiratory distress were examined.

Results : the commonest cause of respiratory distress was transient tachypnea of newborn (41.8 %), most of these showed hyperinflation (77 %) and prominent pulmonary markings (68 %) .Normal chest films seen in (16 %).

Pulmonary infection seen in (17.8 %) of cases, with findings of bronchopneumonia (43 %), and lobar consolidation affecting mostly the right upper lobe (34 %).

Other causes were respiratory distress syndrome (13.1 %), meconium aspiration (13.1 %), congenital heart disease (9.3 %).

Less frequent causes were pneumothorax, congenital lobar emphysema, congenital diaphragmatic hernia and pleural effusion.

Conclusion : Any sign of post– natal respiratory distress is an indication for roentgenogram of the chest which should be taken as early as possible.

In addition, chest radiograph should be read by an expert radiologist.