Premium
MODE OF DELIVERY AND THE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO
Author(s) -
Callen P.,
Goldsworthy Sehila,
Graves Linda,
Harvey D.,
Mellows Heather,
Parkison Christine
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
bjog: an international journal of obstetrics and gynaecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.157
H-Index - 164
eISSN - 1471-0528
pISSN - 1470-0328
DOI - 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb11245.x
Subject(s) - amniotic fluid , elective caesarean section , caesarean section , medicine , respiratory distress , obstetrics , elective cesarean section , vaginal delivery , lecithin , fetal distress , elective surgery , fetus , pregnancy , anesthesia , chemistry , biology , genetics , chromatography
Summary Babies born by elective Caesarean section are more likely to develop the respiratory distress syndrome than babies born vaginally. We studied the amniotic fluid and pharyngeal lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios in three groups of babies born at term: 20 were delivered vaginally after elective induction of labour; 20 were delivered by elective Caesarean section; and 14 by Caesarean section after spontaneous onset of labour. Babies born after induction of labour had higher pharyngeal L/S ratios than babies born by elective Caesarean section. Those born by Caesarean section after spontaneous onset of labour had significantly higher pharyngeal L/S ratios than those in both of the elective delivery groups. There were no significant differences in the amniotic fluid L/S ratios of the two groups who underwent elective delivery. Regression analysis showed a significant relationship between length of labour and increase in the L/S ratio. These results indicate that, during labour, there is a release of fetal lung surfactant into the airways.