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Kartagener syndrome: An uncommon cause of neonatal respiratory distress?

  • Neonatology
  • Original Paper
  • Published:
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Abstract

We report a newborn with respiratory distress and situs inversus totalis. The diagnosis of primary ciliary dyskinesia was confirmed by both ultrastructural and functional investigations. The immotile cilia syndrome was suspected because of respiratory distress, situs inversus, abnormal nasal discharge and hyperinflated chest X-ray. We suggest that ultrastructural and functional investigations of the respiratory mucosa should be done in any newborn with respiratory distress without explanation for the respiratory problems. Establishment of the correct diagnosis at an early stage may allow to improve the prognosis provided prophylactic physiotherapy, vaccinations, and aggressive antibiotic treatment of intercurrent respiratory infections are instituted.

Conclusion

Despite its rarity, primany ciliary dyskinesia should be considered in unexplained cases of neonatal distress

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Abbreviations

ICS :

immotile cilia syndrome

KS :

Kartagener syndrome

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Losa, M., Ghelfi, D., Hof, E. et al. Kartagener syndrome: An uncommon cause of neonatal respiratory distress?. Eur J Pediatr 154, 236–238 (1995). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01954280

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01954280

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