• occurs in 1/1000 live births, but found in 15% of neonatal autopsies
• usually weigh <2500 grams at birth with prematurity the most common risk factor
• present with bleeding from the nose and mouth with severe respiratory distress
• immediate treatment with tracheal suctioning, oxygen, and positive-pressure ventilation
• ventilation goal is to maintain a high, positive expiratory pressure of at least 6-10cm H20
• also check for and correct any underlying bleeding disorders
• extremely high mortality, but no long-term pulmonary deficits if the infant survives

References

MedStudy Pediatric Board Review

Core Curriculum