Decreasing Frequency of Iatrogenic Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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.