Dry Lung Syndrome: A Distinct Clinical Entity

Abstract

Infants with preterm prolonged rupture of membranes can present with immediate onset of pulmonary insufficiency and need aggressive ventilatory support. Dry lung syndrome remains an under-recognised clinical entity and very few cases are reported in the literature, though a working definition has been previously proposed. The proposed underlying etiopathogenesis for this is functional hypoplasia of the lung where higher than usual ventilatory pressure for initial 1-2 days can improve oxygenation. This study presents two cases which had similar antenatal and immediate postnatal course, but had diametrically opposite outcomes. Strategies to optimise outcomes in the setting of early premature rupture of the membranes should include antenatal assessment of mothers with monitoring of the liquor volume as well as the strength of foetal breathing movements, in-utero transfer with delivery in perinatal centres and attendance by neonatal staff of appropriate experience.