Dry lung syndrome: The positive end of the oligohydramnios spectrum

Abstract

Oligohydramnios secondary to mid-trimester preterm premature rupture of the membranes can result in a range of abnormalities from functional hypoplasia of the lungs to structural hypoplasia and fetal compression syndrome. Here, we discuss two infants born at 24-week gestation with a history of severe oligohydramnios requiring extensive resuscitation with high ventilation pressures at birth. One had dry lung syndrome (DLS) and after adequate resuscitation did well. The second case had severe pulmonary hypoplasia complicated by recurrent air leaks and succumbed to it. Management of DLS is primarily supportive; these neonates require adequate respiratory support to open the collapsed airway at birth and optimal ventilation in the early neonatal period to facilitate smooth recovery.

Keywords

• dry lung syndrome
• oligohydramnios
• pulmonary hypoplasia