An Obstetric aspects of RDS of Preterm Infants in Kwang-Ju and Chon-nam

Kim, Dong Won; Park, Sang Ki; Park, Jong; Song, Chang Hun

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
This study was performed to evaluate obstetric aspects and epidemiologic data of respiratory distress syndrome(RDS) in premature baby(under 37 gestational weeks). We compared the mortality and incidence of RDS in premature baby according to gestational age, birth weight, infant sex, mode of delivery. In addition, this study was searched for demonstrating the influence of hypertensive mother, and effectiveness of surfactant and corticosteoid administration.
METHODS
A study was conducted for 2,360 premature baby under 37gestatinal weeks, who were born at four main hospitals in Kwangju and Chonnam from January 1, 1995 to December 31, 1997. Data were collected from hospital records and was analyzed by SPSS computer program.
RESULTS
1. The total incidence of RDS among all the preterm infants under 37gestational weeks, who were admitted in NICU of four hospitals was 22.7%. 2. Neonatal mortality was decreased as the gestational age and or birth weight advanced. (p<0.001) 3. There was no difference in the incidence of RDS according to sex and mode of delivery. (p>0.005) 4. The mortality of RDS infants in this study was 28.1%. 5. There was no statistical correlation between neonatal mortality and use of surfactant. 6. Corticosteroids administration to preterm mother did not decrease the incidence of RDS, but, there was no statistical significance due to insufficient study group. 7. The incidence of RDS among the babies of hypertensive mother was 21.0%.
CONCLUSION
Still the RDS in premature baby is the most common cause of perinatal death in this country. In our study, the incidence and mortality of RDS in prematue baby was mainly depends on gestational age of infants. Therefore, we suggested that prevention of preterm labor is the important to decrease the incidence and mortality of RDS.