What common finding is associated with Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS)?

Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (NRDS), also known as Hyaline Membrane Disease, is primarily associated with the underdevelopment of the lungs in premature infants, particularly due to a deficiency of surfactant. This deficiency leads to increased surface tension within the alveoli, making them more prone to collapse, resulting in atelectasis. Atelectasis is the collapse or incomplete expansion of the lung or a portion of it, which is a direct consequence of insufficient surfactant reducing lung compliance and impairing gas exchange.

In NRDS, atelectasis contributes significantly to the clinical presentation of the condition, including hypoxemia and respiratory distress following birth. It’s important to recognize that while other conditions such as bronchospasm, pneumonia, or hyperventilation might be present in different contexts, they do not capture the primary pathological change observed in NRDS as effectively as atelectasis. Therefore, atelectasis is a hallmark finding that underscores the need for surfactant therapy and supportive measures in the management of NRDS.