Dipalmitoyl inositol
Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborns is primarily caused by a deficiency in surfactant, a substance crucial for reducing surface tension in the alveoli of the lungs. The major component of surfactant is lecithin, also known as phosphatidylcholine.
Lecithin is essential for maintaining alveolar stability and reducing collapse, known as atelectasis, especially in preterm infants who frequently lack sufficient surfactant production due to immature lungs. These factors contribute to the symptoms observed in RDS, such as chest retractions, dyspnea, and lethargy.
Let's review the options:
Option | Description |
---|---|
Dipalmitoyl inositol | Not a surfactant component linked with RDS. |
Lecithin | Primary component of pulmonary surfactant. Deficiency leads to RDS. |
Sphingomyelin | Not involved in the production of surfactant relevant to RDS. |
Dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine | Not a primary component of pulmonary surfactant related to RDS. |
Therefore, the deficiency causing respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn is due to insufficient lecithin.
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