It acts as a detergent, decreasing the surface tension of fluids that line the alveoli and bronchioles and allowing for uniform expansion of the lung and maintenance of lung expansion. Surfactant is secreted by the epithelial cells of the alveoli. No one factor is known to cause the condition however, prematurity and interrupted development of the surfactant system is thought to be the major causative factor. This is the major cause of death in neonates and survivors have a high risk for chronic neurologic complications.
It usually occurs in newborns who are preterm, have diabetic mothers, or were delivered by cesarean section sometimes there is no apparent predisposing cause. Respiratory distress syndrome, neonatal ( respiratory distress syndrome of the newborn (RDS)) a condition of the newborn marked by dyspnea with cyanosis, heralded by such prodromal signs as dilatation of the nares, grunting on exhalation, and retraction of the suprasternal notch or costal margins.
