What percent of RDS infants will have developmental delays?

• A. 10%
• B. 20%
• C. 30%
• D. 40%

Answer: (B)

Neurodevelopmental risk after respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants reflects how early brain vulnerability can persist even with good NICU care. Among survivors of RDS, about one in five will show developmental delays as they grow, though the exact rate varies with how premature the baby was and whether other neonatal injuries occurred. More severe illness or additional brain or lung complications raise risk, while infants without major neonatal injuries tend to do better. So the commonly cited figure—around twenty percent—captures the typical average across cohorts. Ten percent underestimates the risk for many, while thirty or forty percent overstate it in most populations. This is why close developmental monitoring and early intervention are important for all RDS survivors, with attention to those at higher risk.