A 36-week gestation infant is delivered via cesarean section because of macrosomia and fetal distress

A 36-week gestation infant is delivered via cesarean section because of macrosomia and fetal distress. The mother has class D pregestational diabetes (insulin
dependent, with vascular disease); her hemoglobin A1c is 15% (normal 7%).
This infant is at risk for hypocalcemia, cardiomyopathy, polycythemia, and
which of the following?

  • A. Congenital dislocated hip
  • B. Dacryostenosis
  • C. Respiratory distress syndrome
  • D. Hyperglycemia
  • E. Pneumothorax

0 voters

C. Infants born to mothers with poorly controlled diabetes are at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (surfactant deficiency) even at near-term gestational
ages. The maternal hyperglycemia stimulates fetal hyperinsulinism, which has
an antagonistic effect on surfactant production.