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Increased risk for respiratory distress among white, male, late preterm and term infants

J S Anadkat1, M W Kuzniewicz, B P Chaudhari

  • 1Division of Newborn Medicine, The Edward Mallinckrodt Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MI 63110, USA. anadkat_j@kids.wustl.edu

Journal of Perinatology : Official Journal of the California Perinatal Association
|January 7, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Male sex and White race/ethnicity independently increase the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in late preterm and term infants. Healthcare providers should consider these factors when planning deliveries.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Health
  • Perinatal Epidemiology
  • Infant Respiratory Health

Background:

  • Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a significant cause of morbidity in newborns.
  • Understanding demographic risk factors for RDS is crucial for targeted interventions.
  • Previous studies have suggested variations in RDS risk based on sex and race/ethnicity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the independent impact of race/ethnicity and sex on the risk of RDS.
  • To analyze these risks in infants born between 34 and 42 weeks of gestational age.
  • To inform clinical practice regarding the timing of elective deliveries.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study design was employed.
  • Data from 286,454 infants born between 2000 and 2009 were analyzed.
  • Infants with gestational age from 34 to 42 weeks were included from 12 Northern California Kaiser Permanente hospitals.

Main Results:

  • Male sex was found to independently increase the risk of RDS (aOR 1.68).
  • White race/ethnicity was associated with an increased risk of RDS compared to Asian, Black, and Hispanic infants.
  • Factors such as gestational age <39 weeks, operative delivery, maternal diabetes, and chorioamnionitis also elevated RDS risk.

Conclusions:

  • Both male sex and White race/ethnicity are independent risk factors for RDS in late preterm and term infants.
  • These findings highlight the need to consider sex and race/ethnicity when assessing RDS risk.
  • The timing of elective deliveries should take into account these identified demographic risks.
Abstract

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