Lung maturation

Abstract

Knowledge concerning the maturation of the fetal lung is particularly important for clinicians dealing with high-risk obstetric cases involving preterm delivery since respiratory problems, together with their related complications, remain the commonest cause of mortality in normally formed preterm babies, being responsible for about 1500 deaths in England and Wales alone in 1980 (H.M.S.O., 1980). Further, long-term morbidity may arise from the need for prolonged ventilatory support, leading to the development of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia and possibly other causes of chronic respiratory insufficiency. Cerebral dysfunction may also develop, perhaps following intraventricular haemorrhage, and the enforced separation of the infant from its mother may lead to behavioural problems.