A term newborn presents with severe respiratory distress shortly after birth. Physical examination reveals subcostal retractions, nasal flaring, and grunting. Oxygen saturation is 85% on room air. What is the most likely diagnosis? A) Transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN) B) Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) C) respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) D) Pneumonia E) Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) Answer: E) Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) Explanation: CDH is a congenital defect in the diaphragm that allows abdominal organs to herniate into the chest cavity, leading to severe respiratory distress. It often presents with subcostal retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, and decreased oxygen saturation. TTN, MAS, RDS, and pneumonia may present with respiratory distress but have different clinical characteristics.
