Several risk factors contribute
to the development of RDS. The greatest risk factor is low
GA (gestational age) (see epidemiology).
Other risk factors are:
| Birth asphyxia |
Hypoxia and acidosis reduce surfactant production. |
| Caesarean section |
A pre-labor caesarean section before 39 weeks gestation
increased incidence of RDS. 24-48 hours before the onset
of spontaneous labour the production of fetal lung fluid
stops and resorbtion starts to occur and along with this
surfactant is released. |
| Maternal diabetes |
Maternal diabetes delays surfactant maturation, in particular
the formation of phosphatidylglycerol. |
| Male gender |
Male neonates are more likely to develop severe RDS
than females. |
| Second born twin |
The second born twin carries a higher risk of developing
RDS probably due to the prolonged labour |
| Caucasian race |
Caucasian race is more likely to develop RDS than other
races |