Question
My baby was born prematurely, and I’ve been very worried about the child’s condition from the start. Recently, the baby has shown a series of these symptoms, and I’m very concerned, afraid that the condition might worsen. When do the symptoms of neonatal pulmonary hyaline membrane disease appear?
Answer
The amniotic fluid foam test and gastric juice oscillation test were both negative; the amniotic fluid lecithin and sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was less than 2:1; blood pH, PaO2, and HCO3- levels decreased, while PCO2 and BE increased, presenting metabolic acidosis. Blood potassium levels often increase early and can decrease after diuresis during recovery. Early chest X-rays show small granular shadows in both lungs, which become white and opaque in both lungs in the final stage, accompanied by black “bronchial airway signs.” Chest X-rays should be performed before positive pressure ventilation, otherwise, collapsed alveoli can reopen and chest X-rays may not show positive signs.