Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn: Common in the Nursery, Implications for Beyond

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a frequently encountered form of neonatal respiratory distress. The underlying mechanism of pathology involves residual lung fluid that is delayed in clearance. TTN primarily occurs soon after birth and can last from 48 to 72 h. Risk factors for TTN include maternal asthma, male sex, macrosomia, polycythemia, maternal diabetes and cesarean section. Treatment is often supportive with observation and potential oxygenation. Infants with TTN carry an increased risk for developing chronic asthma. Clinicians providing obstetrical care should prepare parents for this potential. Clinicians providing neonatal care must be familiar with the background and course of this common disease.