Background: Respiratory distress is one of the
commonest disorders within the firs 48 - 72 hours of live
and any sign of postnatal respiratory distress is an
indication for roentgenogram of the chest.
Objectives: Is to show the range of chest radiographic
findings in full term newborn babies suffering from
respiratory distress, at or soon after birth.
Method: This is a prospective study that was conducted
in the special care baby units in Baghdad teaching
hospital and Children welfare teaching hospital during
2002. Anteroposterior chest radiograph in supine
position of (129) full term newborn babies, presented
with a chief complaint of respiratory distress were
examined.
Results: The commonest cause of respiratory distress
was transient tachypnea of newborn (41.8%), most of
these showed hyperinflation (77%) and prominent
pulmonary markings (68%) .Normal chest films seen in
(16%). Pulmonary infection seen in (17.8%) of cases,
with findings of bronchopneumonia (43%), and lobar
consolidation affecting mostly the right upper lobe
(34%). Other causes were respiratory distress syndrome
(13.1%), meconium aspiration (13.1%), congenital heart
disease (9.3%). Less frequent causes were
pneumothorax, congenital lobar emphysema, congenital
diaphragmatic hernia and pleural effusion.
Conclusion: Any sign of post– natal respiratory distress
is an indication for roentgenogram of the chest which
should be taken as early as possible. In addition, chest
radiograph should be read by an expert radiologist