Lead researcher
Dr Erin McGillick
Main finding
Excessive liquid in airways and/or in distal lung tissue may underpin the respiratory morbidity associated with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN). However, its effects on lung aeration and respiratory function following birth are unknown. Using synchrotron based X-ray imaging we investigated the effect of elevated airway liquid volumes at birth on newborn respiratory function. We provide the first physiological evidence demonstrating adverse effects of elevated airway liquid volumes on lung mechanics and respiratory function in the immediate newborn period. We speculate that elevated airway liquid volumes may underlie the initial morbidity in near term babies with TTN after birth.
Centre
The Ritchie Centre
Research group
Fetal and Neonatal Health
Journal and article title
Most surprising
Elevated airway liquid volumes have implications on both respiratory structure and function in the immediate newborn period.
Future implications
This work highlights the potential importance of targeting mechanisms to not only assist clearance of liquid but prevent its re-entry into the lung at end-expiration to improve outcomes in newborns with TTN.
Disease/health impact
Newborn respiratory function
