What inhibits surfactant production in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS)?

Surfactant production in the lungs is crucial for reducing surface tension in the alveoli, preventing their collapse and aiding in effective gas exchange. In infants, particularly those who are preterm, the production of surfactant is often insufficient due to the immaturity of the lungs. This is why prematurity is a primary factor that inhibits surfactant production in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

In premature infants, the lungs may not yet be fully developed, and the cells responsible for producing surfactant, known as type II alveolar cells, may not be mature enough to produce an adequate amount of surfactant. This leads to challenges in breathing and the characteristic symptoms of RDS. The risk of developing RDS is significantly higher in those born before 34 weeks gestation, primarily because the production of surfactant generally begins to increase after around 24-28 weeks of gestation.

While infection, hypoglycemia, and maternal infection can contribute to the overall health of the infant and may complicate respiratory function, they are not the primary factors inhibiting surfactant production directly in the same way that prematurity does. Thus, prematurity is identified as the predominant cause of reduced surfactant production leading to R