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

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic metabolic disease (decrease in DNase 1) in which secretion in the body are decreased and the body struggles to get rid of mucous as mucous production also increases. 

Dornase alpha hydrolyses enzymes hydrolyzed mucous to make it more fluid. 

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 also known is hyalin membrane disease. It occurs in premature babies where the surfactants that cover the airways and essential for gaseous exchange only develop shortly before birth, lung fall and lead to death

Cortisone- betamethasone is given to the mother prophylactically before birth to initiate the baby’s surfactant production

Exogenous surfactant- boractant and poractant alpha to augment lung surfactant

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

To ensure oxygenation and prevent hypoxia

The toxicities are retinal damage and blindness

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

Neonatal apnoea occurs in premature and newborn babies where the respiratory centre in the brain isn’t fully developed yet to ensure continuous breathing. Bradycardia and apnoea last longer for 15 seconds and occur repeatedly. Lead to neural damage and hypoxia

Methylxanthines such as theophylline is administered by IV to stimulate the CNS to promote respiratory function and prevent hypoxia.