ABSTRACT

Due to the lysis of inflammatory cells, there are large amounts of DNA present in the mucous plugs. DNA is a polyanion molecular compound that contributes to the increased viscosity and adhesiveness of lung secretions. Recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) liquefies the mucus wit-hin minutes by hydrolysing extracellular DNA in mucus and transforms it from a viscous gel to a flowing liquid. Limited therapeutic options in newborns with unresponsive atelectasis created the need for a new treatment which would be safe and effective. In this report; a newborn who was hospitalized for respiratory distress at 48th hour after birth and diagnosed as atelectasis, and treated by a non-invasive method which was nebulized rhDNAse is presented, and discussion of rhDNase treatment in newborns is aimed.

Keywords: atelectasis, rhDnase, newborn