Question

A newborn presented with chest retractions, dyspnea, and lethargy. The pediatrician diagnosed the baby with respiratory distress syndrome. This occurs due to the deficiency of:

• A. Dipalmitoyl inositol
• B. Lecithin
• C. Sphingomyelin
• D. Dipalmitoylphosphatidylethanolamine

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

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.