Blog #3.5
Briefly explain what cystic fibrosis is and how dornase alfa acts to solve the problem.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic metabolic disease which leads to decreased secretions in various organs and where the body lacks the ability to clear mucus. In the airways the mucus secretions are thick and sticky which can lead to bacterial infection. 
Dornase alfa hydrolyses extra-cellular DNA from the neutrophils in the bronchial mucus, increasing its fluidity, as well as daily mucus removal and antibiotics if an infection is present.

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

It is when the surface acting agent (surfactant which covers airways and is essential for gaseous exchange is only formed shortly after birth. 
The general treatment includes:
Monitoring: Respiratory and circulatory status
Oxygenation, continuous positive airway pressure:
Oxygen is administered to ensure oxygenation
Positive pressure improves respiration and keeps alveoli open to prevent it from collapsing.
Drugs: Exogenous surfactant, corticosteroids and Betamethasone.

Corticosteroids:
Boosts endogenous surfactant production, it is also a cheaper alternative to exogenous surfactant. 
When the baby is viable and there is an impending miscarriage it can be administered prophylactically. Administered to mother to initiate baby's surfactant production.
Exogenous surfactant administered prophylactically to increase lung surfactant. 

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

Oxygen is administer to ensure oxygenation. The dangers involve retinal damage and blindness with long term use. 

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

It is when the respiratory centre in the brain is not fully developed to stimulate continuous breathing. Methylxanthine stimulates the CNS and as a result, stimulates the breathing centre, regular breathing rhythms can be maintained. Theophylline and caffeine are used IV for a few weeks.