Respiratory distress syndrome in late preterm neonates delivered by elective cesarean section

Abstract

Late preterm neonates have immature respiratory systems and higher incidence of respiratory distress syndrome compared with term neonates.With the increase rate of elective cesarean section world-wild,the association between elective cesarean section and late preterm neonates respiratory distress syndrome has attracted a huge attention.Clinical data have showed that the incidence of respiratory distress syndrome was significantly increased in late preterm neonates delivered by elective cesarean section.The delay of lung fluid movement dilutes the concentration of pulmonary surfactant and causes the alveolar collapse.Compared with early preterm neonates,the respiratory distress syndrome of late preterm neonates appears later with a worse reaction of pulmonary surfactant and higher incidence of complications.Thus,vaginal delivery of late preterm neonates is the optimal choice and early diagnosis and therapy of respiratory distress syndrome is very important. Key words: Late-preterm neonates; Respiratory distress syndrome; Elective cesarean section