Neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome

Definition

A rare genetic interstitial lung disease characterized by progressive and life-threatening refractory respiratory distress caused by surfactant deficiency which is particularly prevalent in immature lungs. It is primarily observed in preterm infants but can also affect full-term neonates. In most cases, it is fatal within the first months of life. Lung biopsy reveals changes that are characteristic of pulmonary alveolar proteinosis including interstitial fibrosis and inflammation, as well as accumulation of lipid-rich, eosinophilic, proteinaceous, granular material consisting of desquamated type II pneumocytes and foamy macrophages within the alveolar air spaces.