All issues > Volume 34(1); 1991

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1991;34(1):16-23. Published online January 31, 1991.

A clinical study on the idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn: comparison of radiographic and clinical findings.

Byoung Yul Lim¹, Chong Woo Bae¹, Yong Mook Choi¹, Chang Il Ahn¹, Sun Wha Lee²

¹Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee Universsity, Seoul, Korea
²Department of Diagnostic Radiology, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee Universsity, Seoul, Korea

Received: July 24, 1990;  Accepted: October 29, 1990.

Abstract

Idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) of the newborn remains an important and signifi- cant cause of morbidity and mortality despite of improvement in neonatal care. The clinical and radiologic features observed are the results of surfactant deficiency combined with a highly compliant chest wall. We have been applied the clinical and radiologic features in the diagnosis of IRDS. In 1974, Bomsel et al reported the radiologic classification of IRDS. He classified 4 stages of IRDS according to severity of chest radiographic findings. For the comparison of relationship between clinical findings and radiographic classification in IRDS cases, we conducted the this clinical observa- tion in 79 cases of IRDS, who were delivered at Kyung Hee University Hospital from Jan. 1987 to Dec. 1989. We reviewed their chest radiographs and clinical findings, with comparing of birth weight, gestational period, complications, mortality and method of respiratory care according to BomseFs classification. The results were obtained as follows: 1) There were significant male predominance in incidences of IRDS. Male to female ratio was 1. 5:1. 2) Among the total 79 cases of IRDS, 15 cases (19.0%) were stage II, 27 cases (34.2%) were stage II, 21 cases (26.6%) were stage III and 16 cases (20.2%) were stage IV respectively, according to BomseFs classification. 3) In comparing of gestational period, birth weight and radiologic classification there were higher incidence of advanced stage in group of prematurity and lower birth weight infants. 4) The radiologic complications were observed in 15 cases (19.0%). 5) In comparing of mortality and radiologic classification, mortality were 0% in stage 1, 11.1% in stage II, 47.6% in stage III and 68.8% in stage IV，respectively. 6) According to methods of respiratory care, we could treated by hood oxygen or nasal CPAP in groups of stage I or II, but IRDS cases in stage III or IV were required more intensive ventilatory care.

Keywords :Respiratory Distress Syndrome;Radiographic stage