Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings

In South Africa, prematurity stands as one of the foremost causes of neonatal mortality. A significant proportion of these deaths occur because of respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity. The implementation of non-invasive respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP),...

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Main Authors: Radhika Singh, Leann P. Munian, Nqobile A. Memela
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: AOSIS 2024-05-01
Series:South African Family Practice
Subjects:
Online Access:https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5938
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author Radhika Singh
Leann P. Munian
Nqobile A. Memela
author_facet Radhika Singh
Leann P. Munian
Nqobile A. Memela
author_sort Radhika Singh
collection DOAJ
description In South Africa, prematurity stands as one of the foremost causes of neonatal mortality. A significant proportion of these deaths occur because of respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity. The implementation of non-invasive respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), has demonstrated both safety and efficacy in reducing mortality rates and decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation. Given the absence of blood gas analysers and limited radiological services in many district hospitals, the severity of respiratory distress is often assessed through observation of the infant’s work of breathing and the utilisation of bedside scoring systems. Based on the work of breathing, non-invasive therapy can be commenced timeously. While evidence supporting the use of high-flow nasal cannula as a primary treatment for respiratory distress syndrome remains limited, it may be considered as an alternative, provided that CPAP machines are available. The purpose of this article is to advocate the use of non-invasive therapy in low resource-limited settings and describe the indications, contraindications, complications, and application of CPAP therapy. This would benefit healthcare workers, especially in low-care settings and district hospitals.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2078-6190
2078-6204
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spelling doaj-art-19c38e871cc04212ad63eca70ae61b0c2025-08-20T03:47:07ZengAOSISSouth African Family Practice2078-61902078-62042024-05-01661e1e710.4102/safp.v66i1.59384430Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settingsRadhika Singh0Leann P. Munian1Nqobile A. Memela2Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanDepartment of Paediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of KwaZulu-Natal, DurbanDepartment of Biomedical and Clinical Technology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Durban University of Technology, DurbanIn South Africa, prematurity stands as one of the foremost causes of neonatal mortality. A significant proportion of these deaths occur because of respiratory distress syndrome of prematurity. The implementation of non-invasive respiratory support, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), has demonstrated both safety and efficacy in reducing mortality rates and decreasing the need for mechanical ventilation. Given the absence of blood gas analysers and limited radiological services in many district hospitals, the severity of respiratory distress is often assessed through observation of the infant’s work of breathing and the utilisation of bedside scoring systems. Based on the work of breathing, non-invasive therapy can be commenced timeously. While evidence supporting the use of high-flow nasal cannula as a primary treatment for respiratory distress syndrome remains limited, it may be considered as an alternative, provided that CPAP machines are available. The purpose of this article is to advocate the use of non-invasive therapy in low resource-limited settings and describe the indications, contraindications, complications, and application of CPAP therapy. This would benefit healthcare workers, especially in low-care settings and district hospitals.https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5938cpaprdsprematuritysurfactantlow- and middle-income countriesnon-invasive respiratory support
spellingShingle Radhika Singh
Leann P. Munian
Nqobile A. Memela
Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings
South African Family Practice
cpap
rds
prematurity
surfactant
low- and middle-income countries
non-invasive respiratory support
title Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings
title_full Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings
title_fullStr Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings
title_full_unstemmed Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings
title_short Management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource-limited settings
title_sort management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in resource limited settings
topic cpap
rds
prematurity
surfactant
low- and middle-income countries
non-invasive respiratory support
url https://safpj.co.za/index.php/safpj/article/view/5938
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AT nqobileamemela managementofneonateswithrespiratorydistresssyndromeinresourcelimitedsettings