Abstract

`The pulmonary syndrome of the newborn' is a term used for a complex group of lesions. It has been found that in the important forms of this disorder lesions of the larynx are very common, probably constant, and are ulcers of pressure type occurring on the vocal folds and ventricular bands (`true' and `false' cords). Abnormal closure of the larynx, especially spasm, must be the cause of the ulceration. Premature babies may breathe with alveolar ducts and with alveoli in different parts of the same lung. It is suggested that hyaline membrane forms because of the abuse of normal alveolar duct function in alveolar duct type respiration. Membrane formation is a secondary phenomenon. The lesions of the pulmonary syndrome of the newborn based on a correlation of laryngeal and pulmonary function are classified, and the correlation of function suggests that early treatment with an artificial larynx might prevent the development of the fatal lesions.