The Foam Stability Test on Gastric Aspirate in the Prediction of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Abstract

To evaluate the usefulness of the foam stability test (FST) on gastric aspirate for predicting respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in premature infants, samples were collected at delivery or within 30 min from 194 infants less than or equal to 36 weeks gestation. Of 123 samples adequate for complete testing, 44 were positive at 1 : 2 dilution, 43 were positive only at dilutions less than 1 : 2 and 36 were negative at all dilutions. RDS was found in 2%, 21% and 25% of each group respectively. The FST on gastric aspirate at birth gives useful information only if positive at 1 : 2 when a very low incidence of RDS may be expected. However, a large proportion of infants with FST negative at 1 : 1 do not develop RDS, and hence the test is of limited value in screening for those with highest risk.

Prediction of idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome by the stable microbubble test on gastric aspirate

“…The present study confirms the inaccuracy of the shake test in predicting IRDS as reflected by a large number of false-positive results. 7,8,20,23,24 The disadvantage of the shake test is the interpretation of the intermediate group. Our study showed that no infant in this group developed IRDS, whereas Clements et al found 8 of 13 cases with intermediate test results had mild to severe IRDS.…”