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

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic metabolic disease where a person does not have enough DNase 1 in their body and this leads to the decrease in secretions in various organs.  The manifestation is the worst in the airway, and the mucus secretion are very thick and sticky which makes the perfect environment for the development of an infection. 

Dornase alfa hydrolyses the extra-cellular DNA from the neutrophils in the bronchial mucus, increasing the liquidity of the mucus.

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

NRDS is when the surface-active material that covers the respiratory unit is not formed, as it is only formed in the last couple of weeks in pregnancy and NRDS occurs in premature babies.  Treatment includes monitoring, oxygen and continuous positive airway pressure and drug therapy.

Exogenous surfactants is used to augment surface-active lung surfactant.

Corticosteroids is administered to the mother just before labour as corticosteroids can induce the production of neonatal surfactant within 24 hours.

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

Oxygen therapy ensures that the patient gets constant oxygenation.  Oxygen toxicity and long-term use can cause blindness or retinal damage.  Oxygen toxicity can also induce hypoxia and poor gaseous exchange.

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

Methylxanthines such as caffeine and theophylline is used.  Methylxanthines is used to stimulate the CNS so that constant breathing can take place.  It also stimulates the skeletal muscles, thus it strengthens the contraction of the diaphragm, this improves hypoxia and dyspnoea.