Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a disease caused by abnormal lung development in the fetus, leading to a congenital deficiency of surfactant in the lungs. This deficiency results in progressive lung collapse and severe respiratory distress. This condition is more common in premature infants. The incidence of NRDS is approximately 5 in 100,000 live births, and the incidence increases with decreasing gestational age.