Which one of the following is true of hyaline membrane disease of the newborn –
**Core Concept**
Hyaline membrane disease (HMD), also known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is a condition that affects newborns, particularly premature infants. It is characterized by difficulty breathing due to a lack of **surfactant** in the lungs. Surfactant is a substance that reduces the surface tension of the fluid in the lungs, allowing them to expand and contract more easily.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Since the correct answer is not provided, let's discuss the general pathophysiology of HMD. The disease occurs when there is not enough surfactant in the lungs, causing the alveoli to collapse and leading to respiratory distress. This is often seen in premature infants because their lungs are not fully developed, and therefore, they have not started producing enough surfactant.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Without the specific details of option A, it's challenging to provide a precise explanation of why it's incorrect.
**Option B:** Similarly, without knowing the content of option B, we can't determine its accuracy.
**Option C:** The same applies to option C.
**Option D:** And option D.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember about hyaline membrane disease is that it can be prevented or treated with **antenatal corticosteroids** and **exogenous surfactant therapy**. These interventions can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of RDS in premature infants.
**Correct Answer:** Unfortunately, the correct answer choice is not provided.