Which factor is a major risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

Which factor is a major risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome?

• A. Premature birth with immature lungs and lack of surfactant
• B. Post-term birth
• C. Term birth with mature lungs
• D. Maternal infection during labor

Answer: (A)

Premature birth with immature lungs and lack of surfactant is the major risk factor for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, keeping them open so gas exchange can occur. Its production begins late in gestation and increases as the lungs mature; when a baby is born preterm, there isn’t enough surfactant, causing alveolar collapse (atelectasis), decreased lung compliance, and severe breathing difficulty with poor oxygenation. Post-term birth and term birth with mature lungs involve fully developed lungs with adequate surfactant, so they are not major risk factors for this condition. Maternal infection during labor can lead to respiratory issues, but it typically causes problems like pneumonia or sepsis rather than the classic surfactant-deficiency–driven respiratory distress syndrome.

Premature birth with immature lungs and lack of surfactant is the major risk factor for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Surfactant reduces surface tension in the alveoli, keeping them open so gas exchange can occur. Its production begins late in gestation and increases as the lungs mature; when a baby is born preterm, there isn’t enough surfactant, causing alveolar collapse (atelectasis), decreased lung compliance, and severe breathing difficulty with poor oxygenation.

Post-term birth and term birth with mature lungs involve fully developed lungs with adequate surfactant, so they are not major risk factors for this condition. Maternal infection during labor can lead to respiratory issues, but it typically causes problems like pneumonia or sepsis rather than the classic surfactant-deficiency–driven respiratory distress syndrome.