Incidence of Idiopathic Respiratory Distress Syndrome (IRDS) among Neonates in Enugu.

Abstract

Summary:  In order to determine the incidence of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) in an institution in Nigeria, a prospective study was undertaken from December, 1973-November, 1975. All newborns weighing 2500 gm or less at birth, were closely watched for the development of the syndrome. Out of 235 preterm newborns, 6 (including 2 offsprings of diabetic mothers) satisfied the clinical and radiological criteria for the diagnosis of IRDS. There were two deaths, giving a mortality of 33 per cent in the series. This incidence of the syndrome in the present study is much lower than those reported from other parts of the world. Further studies are required to elucidate the aetiological factors which determine this differ ence in incidence.