Transitory tachypnea of the newborn (ttn) is thought to occur as a result of

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a term for a mild respiratory problem of babies that begins after birth and lasts about three days. Other terms for TTN are "wet lungs" or type II respiratory distress syndrome.

  • "transient" means temporary
  • "tachypnea" means fast breathing rate

Who is affected by transient tachypnea?

About 1 to 2 percent of all newborns develop TTN. Although premature babies can have TTN, most babies with this problem are full-term. The condition may be more likely to develop in babies delivered by cesarean section because the fluid in the lungs doesn't get squeezed out as in a vaginal birth.

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn | Symptoms & Causes

What are the symptoms of transient tachypnea of the newborn?

The following are the most common symptoms of transient tachypnea of the newborn. However, each baby may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • rapid breathing rate (more than 60 breaths/minute)
  • grunting sounds with breathing
  • flaring of the nostrils
  • retractions (pulling in at the ribs with breathing)

What causes TTN?

It is thought that slow absorption of the fluid in the fetal lungs causes TTN. This fluid makes taking in oxygen harder and your baby breathes faster to compensate.

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn | Diagnosis & Treatments

How is transient tachypnea of the newborn diagnosed?

Chest x-rays are often used to help diagnose TTN. On x-rays, the lungs will show a streaked appearance and appear over-inflated. However, it may be difficult to tell whether the problem is TTN or another kind of respiratory problem such as hyaline membrane disease.

Often, TTN is diagnosed when symptoms suddenly resolve by the third day of life.

How do we treat TTN?

Specific treatment for transient tachypnea of your newborn may include:

  • supplemental oxygen given by mask on your baby's face or by placing your baby under an oxygen hood
  • blood tests (to measure blood oxygen levels)
  • continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP): a mechanical breathing machine that pushes a continuous flow of air or oxygen to the airways to help keep tiny air passages in the lungs open

Tube feedings may also be necessary if your baby's breathing rate is too high, because of the risk of aspiration of the food.

Once TTN goes away, your baby usually recovers quickly and has no increased risk for additional respiratory problems.

How we care for TTN

As one of the largest pediatric pulmonary services in the country, our Division of Pulmonary Medicine cares for more than 8,000 patients each year. Our multi-disciplinary team of pediatric pulmonologists, pulmonary nurse specialists, physical therapists, and social workers diagnose and provide care to children with numerous pulmonary disorders.

Transient tachypnea of the newborn, or TTN, is a respiratory disorder usually seen shortly after delivery in babies who are born near or at term. Transient means it is short lived (usually less than 24 hours) and tachypnea means rapid breathing.

Symptoms

Newborns with TTN have respiratory problems soon after birth (within one to two hours). These usually consist of some combination of rapid, noisy breathing (grunting) and/or the use of extra muscles to breathe (flaring nostrils or movements between the ribs or breastbone known as retractions).

Diagnosis

The mother’s pregnancy and labor history are important to make the diagnosis. A chest X-ray may be taken to eliminate other causes of respiratory problems. A blood count and blood culture may be drawn to try to rule out infection. TTN is usually diagnosed after monitoring your baby for one to two days.

Treatment

Your baby will be given oxygen as needed to maintain an adequate blood oxygen level. Pulse oximeter and/or blood gases may be used. Your baby’s oxygen requirement will usually be highest within a few hours after birth and then begin to decrease. Most infants with TTN improve in 12 to 24 hours.

If your baby is breathing very rapidly, feedings may be withheld and intravenous fluids may be given for nutrition until he or she improves. Your baby may also receive antibiotics during this time until infection is ruled out. Rarely, babies with TTN may have persistent lung problems for as long as one week.

Prognosis

TTN usually resolves completely within 24 hours after delivery. Babies who have had TTN usually have no further problems from it and require no special care or follow-up other than their routine pediatrician visits.

What causes transitory tachypnea of newborn?

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a benign, self-limited condition that can present in infants of any gestational age shortly after birth. It is caused by a delay in the clearance of fetal lung fluid after birth, which leads to ineffective gas exchange, respiratory distress, and tachypnea.

What is the pathophysiology of TTN?

PATHOPHYSIOLOGY. TTN is a benign, self-limited disorder that occurs during the transition from uterine to extrauterine life and results from the delayed clearance of excess lung fluid.

When does transient tachypnea of newborn start?

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a breathing disorder seen shortly after delivery, most often in early term or late preterm babies. Transient means it is short-lived (most often less than 48 hours). Tachypnea means rapid breathing (faster than most newborns, who normally breathe 40 to 60 times per minute).

What are possible predictors of TTN?

Preterm birth, low birth weight, macrosomia, cesarean delivery, perinatal asphyxia, male gender, maternal diabetes, and maternal asthma are risk factors associated with TTN development.