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

A genetic metabolic disease that results in induced secretion in various organs, such as excess mucus in alveoli. Mucus is thick and sticky and cannot be cleared by body. Regular bacterial infections occur.

Dornase alfa inhalations hydrolyze the proteins in bronchial mucus to improve fluidity.

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

Immature lungs of a newborn baby that causes breathing disorders. Usually occur in premature babies. Surfactant needed for gas exchange has not formed yet, leads to lungs falling flat. 

Treatment - oxygen therapy

                    - corticosteroids such as betamethasone given to mother before birth helps surfactant being formed

                    - ventilation keeps positive pressure in lungs                        

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

It ensures that oxygen levels of the baby are in the correct index. To high levels can cause retinal failure and blindness. Therefore intensive monitoring is required.

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

The respiratory center in the brain has not developed fully yet and cannot stimulate continuous breathing.

Treatments - oxygen therapy

                      - methylxanthines used are theophylline and caffeine. They are lipophilic, cross the brain barrier, and reach the CNS.