Answer :
Final answer:
Premature infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) are often treated with ventilators, CPAP, and pulmonary surfactant, which have significantly decreased mortality rates. Yet, ventilators can introduce risks of healthcare-associated infections and may affect lung development.
Explanation:
The treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) in premature infants often includes the use of ventilators to mechanically assist with breathing. These technologies are crucial in supporting preterm babies until their lungs have properly developed. At delivery, infants who do not breathe on their own are resuscitated and intubated. Such infants may require a ventilator, or if they can breathe spontaneously, they might need Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP). The administration of pulmonary surfactant has significantly reduced RDS-related mortality by 50 percent. Corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and assisted ventilation might also be part of the treatment, along with supportive therapies like temperature regulation, nutritional support, and antibiotics.
However, while ventilators are lifesaving, they are not without potential side effects. Health care-associated infections can occur, as bacteria may be introduced via contaminated medical equipment, including ventilators. Moreover, long-term use of a ventilator might have an impact on the lung development of premature babies. The earlier the preterm birth, particularly before 26 weeks, the greater the risks, since sufficient pulmonary surfactant might not be produced and the surfaces for gas exchange are not adequately formed.
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