Yellow hyaline membrane disease in neonates: clinical diagnosis by tracheal aspiration cytology.

Yellow hyaline membrane disease (YMH) of the neonate may be diagnosed clinically by tracheal aspiration cytology, an easily accessible, noninvasive, and safe technique. Since the frequent association of yellow membranes and kernicterus in premature infants at relatively low levels of serum bilirubin is significant, this means of diagnosis during life may be useful in identifying infants at risk for kernicterus. We also suggest use of this technique in evaluating the role of possible factors in the pathophysiology of yellow hyaline membranes.