Obstetric Registrar, Ashford Hospital, Ashford, Middlesex.
1471-0528/asset/BJO_left.gif?v=1&s=0fb87361cdb6be25fdf05019eed6d47f5143f610)
1471-0528/asset/olbannerright.gif?v=1&s=3892ef16ff18d6834c302faf85268a49f5fc588f)
MODE OF DELIVERY AND THE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO
Article first published online: 31 AUG 2005
DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb11245.x
Issue
1471-0528/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=b4e1d96c46e18c61210d584b63c13ee375cf562b "BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology")
BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Volume 86, Issue 12, pages 965–968, December 1979
Additional Information
How to Cite
Callen, P., Goldsworthy, S., Graves, L., Harvey, D., Mellows, H. and Parkison, C. (1979), MODE OF DELIVERY AND THE LECITHIN/SPHINGOMYELIN RATIO. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 86: 965–968. doi: 10.1111/j.1471-0528.1979.tb11245.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 31 AUG 2005
- Article first published online: 31 AUG 2005
- Abstract
- References
- Cited By
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.