Final answer:
Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) caused by insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant is the most common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants, especially those born before 28 weeks of gestation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants is Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). RDS stems from an insufficient production of pulmonary surfactant, a substance critical for reducing the surface tension in the lungs and aiding in their proper inflation upon birth. Infants, particularly those born before 28 weeks of gestation, face difficulties as the low levels of surfactant can cause the air sacs (alveoli) to collapse, posing a challenge to breathing, potentially leading to hypoxia and acidosis.
Effective treatment strategies for RDS include the administration of exogenous pulmonary surfactant, which has reduced mortality by 50 percent. Support may also involve mechanical ventilation, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and additional supportive therapies such as temperature regulation, nutritional support, and antibiotics as needed.
Your question is incomplete. The meaning of your question is:
Which of the following best describes the most common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants?
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is caused by a lack of pulmonary surfactant production
- Heart abnormalities
- Lungs that are not yet fully formed