A neonatal male born at 29 weeks’ gestation is monitored in the neonatal ICU following a spontaneous preterm delivery. The pregnancy was complicated by inadequate prenatal care, and the mother did not receive antenatal corticosteroids prior to delivery. Shortly after birth, the infant develops progressive respiratory distress characterized by tachypnea, nasal flaring, intercostal retractions, and grunting. Physical examination reveals diminished breath sounds bilaterally. Arterial blood gas analysis shows hypoxemia and respiratory acidosis. Despite supplemental oxygen via positive-pressure ventilation, the infant continues to require increasing levels of respiratory support. Which of the following is most likely to be seen in this patient?
A) Decreased elastic recoil
B) Fluid within fissure lines
C) Increased lecithin in alveolar fluid
D) Increased number of lamellar bodies
E) Reticulogranular chest x-ray
