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Transient tachypnea of the newborn is respiratory distress caused by delayed resorption of fetal lung fluid.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn affects premature infants, term infants delivered by cesarean section, and infants born with respiratory depression, all of whom have delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. (Mechanisms for normal resorption of fetal lung fluid are discussed in Perinatal Physiology: Pulmonary.) Maternal diabetes and asthma are also risk factors, for unknown reasons, and the disorder can occur in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and in term infants born through meconium-stained amniotic fluid.

Rapid respirations, grunting, and retractions begin soon after delivery, and cyanosis may develop. Chest x-ray shows hyperinflated lungs with streaky perihilar markings, giving the appearance of a shaggy heart border while the periphery of the lungs is clear. Fluid is often seen in the lung fissures.

Recovery usually occurs within 2 to 3 days. Treatment is supportive and involves giving O₂ by hood and monitoring ABGs or pulse oximetry. Rarely, extremely premature infants and/or those with neurologic depression at birth require continuous positive airway pressure and occasionally even mechanical ventilation.

Last full review/revision November 2005

Content last modified November 2005