Non-specificity of surfactant deficiency in neonatal respiratory disorders. Issue 6431 (2nd June 1984)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: James, D K; Chiswick, M L; Harkes, A; Williams, M; Hallworth, J
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 288:Issue 6431(1984)
• Page Start: 1635
• Page End: 1638
• Publication Date: 1984-06-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.288.6431.1635
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : The phospholipid content of lung fluid taken from 77 babies during the first day of life was studied. Babies with hyaline membrane disease had low concentrations of the surfactant phospholipids phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylinositol, and phosphatidylglycerol. The palmitic acid content in phosphatidylcholine was also lower than normal. Surfactant deficiency was not, however, specific for hyaline membrane disease, as similar phospholipid abnormalities were observed in babies with congenital pneumonia and transient tachypnoea of the newborn. These findings have important clinical implications. They are relevant to research into surfactant substitution and cast doubts on the value of the antenatal phospholipid lung profile of amniotic fluid in predicting the risk of hyaline membrane disease.