The mother was a two pack per day smoker who refused to cut down or stop smoking during her pregnancy. The baby survived for 6 days on a respirator requiring very high oxygen levels.
Sections show immature lung with alternating areas of atelectasis and alveolar dilatation.
In Slide 1.3, the jaundice has stained the hyaline membranes yellow. Hyaline membranes are made of coagulated protein and fibrin. The low ratio of air space to interstitium is evidence of the lung's immaturity, a significant risk factor for recovery. Another finding indicating immaturity that is not demonstrated in the kodachromes is the presence of immature cartilage around bronchi. Hyaline membrane disease of the newborn.