Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026

A Novel Method for Involving Women of Color at High Risk for Preterm Birth in Research Priority Setting
Published on: January 12, 2018
Is thymus size at birth associated with respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants?
S Yilmaz Semerci1, G Demirel2, O Baskan3
1Istanbul Kanuni Sultan Suleyman Training and Research Hospital, Division of Neonatology, Istanbul, Turkey.
Aim:
Thymus size in neonates depend on many factors. We aimed to assess the thymus size radiographically in preterm neonates and its relationship with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and other complications of prematurity.
Methods:
Thymus size was assessed by cardiothymic: thoracic ratio (CT/T), measuring the width of the cardiothymic shadow at the level of carina and dividing it by the width of the thorax at the costophrenic angles, from the first chest radiograph in patients less than 34 weeks gestational age.
Results:
Neonates born between 30-34 weeks of gestation with RDS had smaller CT/T than non RDS group (0.34±0.1 vs 0.36±0.05, p = 0.045). Birth weight has positive correlation with CT/T (r = 0.166, p = 0.03).
Conclusion:
Thymus involution in the perinatal period is a complex process and the response is variable in different clinical situations. Activated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be responsible for thymic involution in preterm infants between 30-34 weeks of gestation with RDS.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Birth Control Methods
Anatomy of Respiratory System II: Lower Respiratory Tract
The Larynx
It is located between the pharynx and the trachea, acts as a passageway for air, and hosts several critical structures, such as the epiglottis, vocal cords, and glottis. The epiglottis acts as a gateway, guiding food to the...
The Respiratory System
Cell Size
Surface Area
Cells can take in nutrients and water via diffusion through the plasma membrane itself or through specific channels in the membrane. The area of the membrane surrounding...
Anatomy of Respiratory System I: Upper Respiratory Tract
Nose and nasal cavity
The nose and nasal cavity represent the main external openings of the respiratory tract....
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

