Abstract

Atelectasis is defined as partial or complete collapse of one lung. This condition gene- rally accompanies many lung or chest diseases, and becomes manifest with the symptoms of the underlying disease.

Mucous plugs contain a lot of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). Recombinant human DNase (rhDNase) liquefies the extracellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in mucous plugs and transforms it from a viscous gel to a flowing liquid.

Limited therapeutic options in newborns with resistant atelectasis created the need for a new treatment which would be safe and effective.

In this article, a 30-week premature baby who was diagnosed as atelectasis and hospi- talized 15th day after birth and treated with a non-invasive nebulized rhDNAse is presented, and discussion of rhDNase treatment in newborns is aimed.