Lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio in hypopharyngeal aspirate of newborn infants. Issue 11 (November 1975)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Barr, P A; Jenkins, P A; Baum, J D
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 50:Issue 11(1975)
• Page Start: 856
• Page End: 861
• Publication Date: 1975-11
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.50.11.856
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : The lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio was measured in the hypopharyngeal aspirate of 41 newborn infants. In 20 without respiratory distress the ratio within 24 hours from birth ranged from 1.5 to 5.8 with a mean value of 3.3. In 6 with 'transient tachypnoea of the newborn' the ratio ranged from 2.0 to 6.7 with a mean value of 3.2. In 15 infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) the ratio ranged from 0.9 to 2.1 with a mean value of 1.4. In 14 of these infants the ratio within 24 hours from birth was 1.7 or less. One infant with a higher ratio and severe RDS is described in detail. Serial hypopharyngeal aspirate L/S ratios were determined in the infants with RDS. There was a possible trend toward the earlier attainment of a ratio of 2.0 in infants who received continuous distending airway pressure compared with infants who did not.