NEONATAL RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS IN THE COMMUNITY-HOSPITAL - WHEN TO TRANSPORT, WHEN TO KEEP

Neonatal respiratory distress is a common problem confronting family p hysicians. Although respiratory distress may represent a benign, self- limited process, it may also be the first sign of sepsis or serious ca rdiopulmonary disease. Because it is crucial to differentiate the two, we offer a practical approach to the treatment of neonatal respirator y distress at community hospitals. Our method, the Rule of 2 Hours, is based on readily accessible clinical findings. We believe it will hel p physicians detect babies at risk for serious problems, but will not result in unnecessary referral of neonates that are simply adapting to extrauterine life.