Which of the following is a common cause of death in premature infants?

• A. Selective mutism
• B. Chronic lung disease
• C. Respiratory failure
• D. Sudden infant death syndrome

Answer: (C)

In the context of premature infants, respiratory failure is indeed a common cause of death. Premature infants often have underdeveloped lungs, which significantly increases their risk of respiratory failure due to a condition known as neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS). This condition is primarily caused by a deficiency in surfactant, a substance that helps keep the air sacs in the lungs from collapsing. Without adequate surfactant and proper lung development, these infants can struggle to breathe effectively, leading to severe respiratory distress and potential failure.

Additionally, premature infants are more susceptible to various complications, such as infections and other respiratory illnesses that can exacerbate their respiratory challenges, resulting in acute or chronic respiratory failure. Prompt and effective management of respiratory issues is critical for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population.

While chronic lung disease, also known as bronchopulmonary dysplasia, can be a result of prolonged respiratory failure in premature infants, respiratory failure itself is a more immediate and acute condition leading to death. Other options, such as selective mutism and sudden infant death syndrome, are not directly related to the immediate risks associated with the physiology of premature infants and do not represent common causes of death in this specific demographic.