An old problem revisited-hyaline membrane disease and cesarean section

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Abstract
The incidence of hyaline membrane disease (HMD) was investigated retrospectively in 159 preterm infants below 35 weeks gestation, weighing less than 2,000 g, and born during the 5-year interval 1975–79. The incidence of HMD was compared between infants delivered by elective Cesarean section, Cesarean section after the onset of labor and by the vaginal route. A significant difference (PP<0.01). When infants (<2,000 g) delivered vaginally without PROM were compared with those delivered by elective Cesarean section, no difference in HMD-incidence was observed. Out of 43 infants with birthweight above 2,000 g, who developed HMD during the 5-year period the majority had been delivered by elective Cesarean section. The possible effect of fetal stress on lung maturation is discussed.