Professional
Technical
IVT
tachypnea of the newborn
Transient condition causing rapid breathing in newborns due to delayed lung fluid clearance.
Full Definition
Tachypnea of the newborn, also known as transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), is a respiratory condition characterized by rapid breathing in newborns caused by delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid. This self-limiting condition typically occurs in term or near-term infants, often following cesarean delivery when the normal vaginal delivery process that helps expel lung fluid is bypassed. Symptoms include respiratory rates exceeding 60 breaths per minute, mild retractions, and sometimes grunting, but usually resolve within 24-72 hours with supportive care.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as TTN in clinical documentation.
In Context
- "The diagnosis of tachypnea of the newborn was confirmed when respiratory symptoms resolved by day two of life." — discharge summary
- "Chest X-ray findings were consistent with tachypnea of the newborn rather than pneumonia." — radiology report
Also known as
TTN
transient tachypnea of the newborn
wet lung syndrome
Contrasted with
normal respiratory adaptation
bradypnea
Don't confuse with
respiratory distress syndrome
pneumonia
meconium aspiration