STUDY UNIT 3.5

1. Briefly explain what cystic fibrosis is and how dornase alfa acts to solve the problem.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic metabolic disease that decreases DNase1 which results in reduced secretions in various organs. Dornase alpha inhalations hydrolyses proteins in bronchial mucus which in turn allows it to be more fluid.

2. Briefly explain what neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is, what the general treatment strategies involve and how cortisone and exogenous surfactants solve the problem.

AKA as hyalin membrane disease and only occurs in premature babies. It is when surfactants which cover the airways and essential for gas exchange are only formed after birth. Corticosteroids are giving to the mother before labour which will initiate the baby’s surfactant production.

3. What is the role of oxygen therapy in neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?  What do the dangers of oxygen toxicity involve?

Oxygen will assist in oxygenation.

Increased oxygen over a long term will lead to retinal damage and blindness

4. Briefly explain what neonatal apnoea is and how the methylxanthines solve the problem.  Which methylxanthine is used?

This is when the respiratory in the brain has not fully developed to stimulate continuous breathing, occurs in new-born and premature babies. Methylxanthine help to stimulate the CNS and examples include caffeine and theophylline IV for a few weeks.