II. Pathophysiology
- Retained alveolar fluid with incompletely expanded alveoli (typically due to precipitous Vaginal Delivery)
- Diagnosis of exclusion as a cause for Newborn Respiratory Distress
- Made in hindsight after no obvious other sources identified
- Tachypnea readily resolves within minutes to hours
III. Findings
- Respiratory Rate 60 to 80 breaths/min
- Mild increased work of breathing
- Improves rapidly after first 4 hours (contrast with TTN which typically lasts up to 48 hours)
IV. Differential Diagnosis
- See Respiratory Distress in the Newborn
- See Neonatal Distress Causes
-
Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN)
- Respiratory Rate often >80 breaths/min
- Increased work of breathing
- Improves over 24-48 hours
V. Management
- Always consider the differential diagnosis
- Delayed transition (and TTN) are diagnoses of exclusion
- Supportive care
- Resolves spontaneously