Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn Clinical Presentation

Updated: Dec 23, 2020
  • Author: Siva Subramanian, MD, FAAP; Chief Editor: Ted Rosenkrantz, MD  more...
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Presentation

History

The maternal history in transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) consists of cesarian delivery without labor or precipitous delivery.

Signs of respiratory distress (eg, tachypnea, nasal flaring, grunting, retractions, hypoxia, increased oxygen requirement and cyanosis in extreme cases) become evident shortly after birth.

The disorder is indeed transient, usually resolved within 72 hours after birth.

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Physical Examination

Physical findings in infants with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) include tachypnea with variable grunting, flaring, and retractions.

The infant usually does not appear to be in acute distress and often is described as having "quiet" tachypnea.

Extreme cases may exhibit severe hypoxia and cyanosis.

A study investigating the risk factors for duration of tachypnea in patients with transient tachypnea of the newborn reported that peak respiratory rate of more than 90 breaths per minute during the first 36 hours of life was associated with prolonged tachypnea lasting more than 72 hours. [20]

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