A term male neonate born by elective cesarean section at 38 weeks without labor develops tachypnoea of 85 breaths per minute at 1 hour of life with mild retractions and grunting. He maintains SpO2 of 94 percent in room air and feeds adequately. Chest X-ray shows prominent pulmonary vascular markings with fluid in the minor fissure. The symptoms resolve completely by 36 hours. What is the MOST likely diagnosis?
- A Respiratory distress syndrome
- B Transient tachypnoea of the newborn ✓
- C Meconium aspiration syndrome
- D Congenital pneumonia
Correct answer: B. Transient tachypnoea of the newborn
Explanation
Delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid after cesarean delivery without labor produces tachypnoea that peaks early and resolves within 24 to 72 hours. The radiograph shows perihilar streaking, prominent vasculature and fluid in the fissures, sometimes with a small pleural effusion. RDS shows low-volume ground-glass opacification with air bronchograms and worsens over the first 48 to 72 hours, while meconium aspiration and pneumonia do not resolve spontaneously within 36 hours.
Reference: Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics, 21st ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.