Sex differences in fetal lung maturation.

• DOI: 10.1164/arrd.1981.123.2.205
• Publication Date: 1981-02-01
• Authors: John S. Torday; Heber C. Nielsen; M Fencl; Mary Ellen Avery
• Keywords: Male; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn; Sex Factors; Fetal Organ Maturity; Hydrocortisone; Pregnancy; Infant, Newborn; Humans; Female; Gestational Age; Pulmonary Surfactants; Amniotic Fluid; Lung

It has been recognized that male infants are at greater risk of respiratory distress syndrome than female infants. Amniotic fluid was obtained from 73 and 76 fetuses between 28 40 wk gestation. To assess fetal pulmonary maturity, we determined the lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio concentrations saturated phosphatidyl choline cortisol in all these fluids. Analysis covariance showed had higher indexes maturity did The difference degree 1.2 to 2.5 wk, on basis measurements, with females ahead males. We conclude there is a biochemical for increased