The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Article

The Usefulness of Amniotic Fluid Lecithin/Sphingomyelin Ratio in Predicting Neonatal Respiratory Problems

Authors: W. N. SPELLACY MD, W. C. BUHI MS.

Abstract

AbstractThe amniotic fluid lecithin/sphingomyelin ratio (AFLS) was determined on 142 amniotic fluids obtained within 72 hours of delivery in women with normal pregnancy or those complicated by toxemia, diabetes mellitus, Rh sensitization or cesarean section. The neonates were carefully evaluated and their hospital course correlated poorly with their weights. Where the AFLS was >2.0 there was only one infant who developed respiratory distress (RDS) and hyaline membrane disease (0.8%) and he was delivered by cesarean section. Where the L/S was <2.0, the incidence of RDS was 42.9%. The use of the AFLS test before elective or indicated delivery is recommended.

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References