Current concepts on respiratory distress syndrome in the newborn (hyaline membrane disease).

Respiratory distress syndrome continues to be a major cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The etiology, clinical diagnosis, pathogenesis, treatment, and prognosis remain controversial. Despite this, a rational program of management is possible and slow but persistent improvement in mortality appears to result from its use. These aspects of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) or hyaline membrane disease (HMD) are discussed in detail. Still, prevention remains the more reasonable goal. Since this depends largely on prevention of prematurity, every effort must be spent in attempts to reduce the rate of premature birth.