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

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic metabolic disease that results in reduced secretions in various organs. Dornase alpha helps by hydrolyzing proteins in bronchial mucous 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.

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome is a breathing disorder in newborns caused by immature lungs. General treatment strategies involve oxygen therapy and ventilation for positive pressure, the exogenous surfactants augment lung surfactant and cortisone initiates the baby’s surfactant production.

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

Oxygen is used to ensure oxygenation, the dangers include retinal damage and blindness.

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

Neonatal apnoea occurs in newborns and premature babies and is when the respiratory center in the brain is not yet fully developed to stimulate continuous breathing. Methylxanthines solve the problem by stimulating the CNS and they are usually administered intravenously. The methylxanthine used is theophylline.