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Am J Perinatol 1986; 3(3): 205-208
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-999868
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1986 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Decreasing Frequency of Iatrogenic Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Gertrud S. Berkowitz, Karen Chang, Frank A. Chervenak, Richard Krouskop, Isabelle A. Wilkins
  • Departments of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Science, Pediatrics, and Community Medicine, The Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, New York
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Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the obstetric events preceding delivery of infants who developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) at one New York City hospital between January 1970 and July 1973, and January 1980 and July 1983. Elective delivery without adequate documentation of fetal maturity occurred in 7 (11.1%) of 63 pregnancies resulting in RDS during 1970-1973 as compared to only 1 (1.4%) of 71 pregnancies resulting in RDS during 1980-1983 (P < 0.05). This decline in “iatrogenic” RDS presumably reflects improved physician diligence in the prevention of unnecessary RDS, increased availability of ultrasound and fetal lung maturity studies, and advances in the application and interpretation of these diagnostic procedures.