does fetal lung maturation occur earlier?
Debate has developed among several authors about possible accelerated maturation of black fetuses in comparison with whites. In Guadeloupe, French West Indies, where 85% of the population is of black African-American origin, it has been noted that the incidence of hyaline membrane disease (HMD) represents a significant drop beginning after the 32nd week of gestation. Over a 3-year period, 419 black low-birthweight singleton newborns were admitted in the University Hospital’s Neonatal Department covering 70% of all births of the island. The incidence of HMD was 50% among very low birthweight (< 1500 g) and 8.3% among moderate low birthweight (> or = 1500 g; P < 0.001). The incidence of HMD was 48.8% among the very preterm (< 32 weeks) and 7.8% (26/331) among the moderate preterm (> or = 32 weeks; P < 0.001). These differences were similar for appropriate for gestational age and small for gestational age infants. Significant differences remained after controlling for several maternal ris
