Iatrogenic respiratory distress syndrome. An analysis of obstetric events preceding delivery of infants who develop respiratory distress syndrome.

The obstetric events leading to the birth of infants who developed respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were evaluated. In a retrospective study of 100 consecutive cases it was determined that untimely or unwarranted physician intervention in the pregnancy was responsible for 15 per cent of cases and possibly responsible for another 18 per cent. Recommendations for prevention of "iatrogenic" RDS are made.