The Phospholipid Test of Fetal Respiratory Maturity: Its Value in Clinical Obstetrics

Summary: The lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio has been studied in amniotic fluid samples from 122 patients. The respiratory distress syndrome developed in 11 of the babies. The importance of a transitional zone in which respiratory function in the newborn cannot be predicted with certainty is stressed. We have found the test to be of much value in deciding the timing of elective Caesarean section or induction of labour.