Chylothorax Cause of large pleural effusion in newborn, thought to be associated with birth trauma. Treat with thoracentesis. Meconium aspiration Usually occurs with fetal distress. Infants are meconium stained at birth. Usually a chemical pneumonia due to swallowing amniotic fluid mixed with meconium.
Complication leads to air-block syndrome with pneumothorax or pulmonary hemorrhage.
Differential - transient tachypnea, neonatal infection, lymphangiectasia. Usually responds to supportive therapy. Respiratory distress - hyaline membrane disease Condition that affects premature infants related to a deficiency of surface active agent surfactant. Infants are symptomatic immediately or soon after birth. Air bronchogram seen at lung bases.