why male Male predominance in RDS of pre term

Answer 1

There are several factors that contribute to the male predominance in Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) of preterm infants. One of the main reasons is that male preterm infants tend to have underdeveloped lungs compared to female preterm infants of the same gestational age. This is because lung maturation is more accelerated in female fetuses due to the presence of estrogen, which helps in the production of surfactant that aids in lung expansion and function.

Additionally, male fetuses have higher levels of cortisol, which can delay lung maturation. This, combined with the lower levels of surfactant produced in male fetuses, can lead to a higher risk of developing RDS.

Other factors that may contribute to the male predominance in RDS include genetic factors, environmental factors, and maternal health issues. Overall, the combination of these factors leads to a higher incidence of RDS in male preterm infants compared to female preterm infants.