Question

A preterm baby who was delivered at 28 weeks developed respiratory distress syndrome.Which of the following is true about surface tension and compliance in this baby?

• A. Surface tension - decreased; Compliance - increased
• B. Surface tension - increased; Compliance - decreased
• C. Both surface tension and compliance decreases
• D. Both surface tension and compliance increased

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Preterm infants, particularly those born at 28 weeks, often face Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) due to immature lungs lacking sufficient surfactant production. Surfactant reduces alveolar surface tension, crucial for lung function.

• Surface Tension: In preterm infants with RDS, the surface tension is increased because of insufficient surfactant. Surfactant stabilizes alveoli and decreases surface tension, crucial for proper lung inflation and respiratory function.
• Compliance: Lung compliance refers to the lungs' ability to stretch and expand. In these infants, lung compliance is decreased due to the high surface tension. High surface tension leads to alveolar collapse, requiring more effort for ventilation and reducing lung compliance.

Thus, the correct statement for preterm babies with RDS is; Surface tension - increased; Compliance - decreased.