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

It is a genetic defect which leads to reduced secretions in various organs. Dornase alpha hydrolyses extra-cellular DNA from the neutrophils in bronchial mucus and increases its liquidity drastically.

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 also known as hyaline membrane disease and occurs in premature babies. It is basically when the surface-active material that covers the respiratory unit of the airways is not form, when babies are born prematurely.

Intensive monitoring of respiratory and circulatory status is essential . Exogenous surfactants are administered exogenously at room temperature( by means of  a catheter into the lungs

A short course of corticosteroids is effective to boost endogenous surfactant production and is a cheaper alternative.

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

Oxygen therapy is administered with air at room temperature to ensure oxygenation. a continuous positive pressure improves ventilation and keeps the alveoli open in order to prevent collapse. It is administered in order to prevent collapse.

Dangers. oxygen toxicity causes reduced drug exchange, hypoxia and death in extreme cases. It can also cause retinal damage and blindness.

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

 Neonatal apnoea occurs when the respiratory centre in the medulla has not yet fully developed in premature babies to stimulate continuous breathing.

Methylxanthines, caffeine and theophylline stimulate the CNS and IV administration of these drugs help solve the problem.