The best way to assess lung maturity when PROM occurs is to check the lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio, with a ratio of around indicating mature lungs and reducing the risk of infant respiratory distress syndrome.
When PROM (Premature Rupture of Membranes) occurs, the age of the fetus must be determined. The best way to assess lung maturity is to check the lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio. Lecithin and sphingomyelin are components of the surfactant critical for lung function. The lecithin to sphingomyelin ratio in mature fetal lungs is approximately . A ratio between to indicates a low risk, while less than poses a high risk of infant respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). Treatment options may include steroids administered to the mother or infant to aid lung development, the application of surfactant, and ventilator support for breathing.
Significant lung development and the production of pulmonary surfactant occur from about the week of pregnancy until term. Adequate levels of surfactant are necessary for lung compliance and typically are not present until around the eighth month. Alveolar precursors mature around wee , enabling premature infants born at this stage to breathe on their own. However, before weeks, insufficient surfactant production can lead to the collapse of air sacs, presenting difficulties with breathing and the oxygenation process.
9.4m questions
12.1m answers