Spectrum of respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn in North India: A prospective study

A prospective study over a 13 month period was carried out to determine the spectrum of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) In the newborn. Of 1400 neonates, 116 developed RDS of which 67 were term and 49 preterm. The cases were categorised on the basis of clinical data and course, biochemical, radiologic and autopsy findings. Maximum number of cases (51.4%) were due to pneumonia and bronchopneumonia. Hyaline membrane disease was responsible for respiratory distress in 10 cases (86%). All infants were preterm with a negative shake test and all expired. Transient tachypnea was observed in 22 cases (19%), all of term gestation. Meconium aspiration was responsible in 14 cases (12.1%) and was commoner in term infants than preterm. Pneumothorax was seen in 2 cases.