[Etiology of RDS in infants weighing more than 2500 g (author's transl)].

Between 1974 to 1977, 7005 infants were born live at the I. University Clinic of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vienna. 55 of these infants weighed at birth more than 2500g and developed RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) as a result of which 16 died. All infants showing either malformations, icterus gravis (malignant jaundice) or infants delivered by insulin dependent diabetic mothers were excluded. The remaining 48 infants were compared with two control groups selected at random. The mortality rate for infants with RDS weighing more than 2500g (29,1%) was identical with those weighing less than 2500g (28,7%). The significant finding in the RDS group was the high incidence of primiparae, mothers with abnormal obstetrical histories, imminent abortion, cerclage operations and EPH gestoses. On three women in this group extragenital surgery which was performed during pregnancy appeared noteworthy. Time of labor, prolonged delivery time or surgical interference at time of birth did however not seem to make any difference. The RDS group showed in the 1 minute as well as in the 5 minute Apgar-Value distinctly worse results, whereby the missing recuperation after 5 minutes is typical and prognostically unfavourable for RDS. Of decisive importance for the development of RDS in infants weighing more than 2500g was birth induction before the end of the biological term.