Pulmonary haemorrhage

Abstract 

The occurrence of pulmonary haemorrhage in an already sick neonate is a serious complication, representing haemorrhagic pulmonary oedema. Known risk factors include prematurity, intrauterine growth restriction and significant respiratory distress syndrome treated with surfactant. The mortality remains high especially with severe pulmonary haemorrhage. There have been concerns about the causative role of surfactant therapy in pulmonary haemorrhage, but the evidence suggests only a marginal increase with surfactant, certainly not enough to outweigh the proven beneficial effects of surfactant. There is some supportive evidence for the use of surfactant in the treatment of pulmonary haemorrhage, despite concerns about its role in the causation. The mainstay of treatment, however, remains vigorous resuscitation of a shocked and critically ill infant.

Keywords: pulmonary haemorrhage, pulmonary oedema, surfactant, low birth weight

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• f1 Correspondence to: SP.