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Hyaline Membrane Disease


A.F. Malan
C. Vader
P.F. Fairbrother

Abstract

The incidence of hyaline membrane disease in three Cape Town hospitals during 1972 and 1973 was analysed, and compared with the incidence revealed in a similar survey in 1966. Striking and significant differences were found. The over-all incidence of hyaline membrane disease has fallen from 12,6% to 5,0%. The altered incidence is due to a much lower incidence in the Coloured and Black groups. The incidence for the White group has remained at 12,8%. Other changes were a higher incidence associated with antepartum haemorrhage, and a protecting influence in toxaemia. Maternal diabetes did not carry the increased risk shown previously. Several findings of the 1966 study were confirmed. They were the good correlation of hyaline membrane disease with immaturity, the male preponderance, and the increased incidence after delivery by Caesarean section.


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eISSN: 2078-5135
print ISSN: 0256-9574