What is a significant concern for a premature infant?

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a significant concern for premature infants due to the developmental immaturity of their lungs. In premature infants, especially those born before 34 weeks of gestation, the production of surfactant, a substance that helps keep the small air sacs in the lungs open during breathing, is often insufficient. This lack of surfactant can lead to collapsed alveoli, decreased lung compliance, and impaired gas exchange, resulting in difficulty breathing.

RDS is characterized by symptoms such as grunting, retractions, nasal flaring, and cyanosis. The infant may require supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation to assist in breathing and maintain adequate oxygen levels. Timely recognition and management of RDS are critical to improving outcomes for these vulnerable infants.

While jaundice, hypoglycemia, and dehydration are also concerns for premature infants, they are not as immediately life-threatening or common as RDS. Jaundice can arise due to immature liver function, hypoglycemia may occur in cases of feeding difficulties or poor glucose regulation, and dehydration can result from feeding challenges or losses. However, the respiratory complications tied to RDS pose a more urgent threat to the infant's survival and overall health in the early days following birth.