Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome: Current evidence and clinical management for nursing and health assistant practice

Nader Saad Awad Al-Mutairi; Faisal Zabin Hashar Alotaibi; Mohammad Naseer Ali Alqahtani; Hzam Alkorbi Zid Aldossri; Shaie Saleh; Mashan Mashal Hubaylis Alharthi; Muteb Abdullah Almutairi; Mohammed Khalaf Alruqi; Abdullah Saleh Mohammed Alotaibi

doi:10.53730/ijhs.v2nS1.15978

Authors

Nader Saad Awad Al-Mutairi National Guard Health Affairs
Faisal Zabin Hashar Alotaibi National Guard Health Affairs
Mohammad Naseer Ali Alqahtani National Guard Health Affairs
Hzam Alkorbi Zid Aldossri National Guard Health Affairs
Shaie Saleh National Guard Health Affairs
Mashan Mashal Hubaylis Alharthi National Guard Health Affairs
Muteb Abdullah Almutairi Ministry of National Guard
Mohammed Khalaf Alruqi King Abdulaziz Medical City, Al-Ahsa
Abdullah Saleh Mohammed Alotaibi National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh

Keywords:

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, prematurity, pulmonary surfactant, continuous positive airway pressure, surfactant replacement therapy, neonatal intensive care, lung ultrasound, respiratory support, neonatal nursing, health assistants

Abstract

Background: Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) remains one of the leading causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality among premature infants worldwide. The condition primarily develops because of pulmonary surfactant deficiency resulting from incomplete fetal lung maturation, leading to alveolar collapse, impaired gas exchange, respiratory failure, and prolonged neonatal intensive care admission. Aim: This review aimed to provide an updated evidence-based overview of the etiology, pathophysiology, epidemiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic evaluation, and current management strategies of neonatal RDS, with emphasis on the clinical roles of nurses and health assistants in improving neonatal outcomes. Methods: A comprehensive narrative review was conducted using current evidence from published clinical guidelines, peer-reviewed literature, and recent studies addressing fetal lung development, surfactant biology, genetic susceptibility, diagnostic modalities, respiratory support, surfactant replacement therapy, supportive care, and emerging individualized treatment approaches. Results: Prematurity remains the strongest determinant of neonatal RDS because of insufficient surfactant production and structural pulmonary immaturity. Early recognition through clinical assessment, blood gas analysis, chest imaging, and lung ultrasound facilitates timely intervention. Current management prioritizes antenatal corticosteroid administration, early continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), selective rescue surfactant therapy, lung-protective ventilation, and comprehensive supportive care.

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