A form of acute respiratory distress syndrome found in premature infants and in some of those born by CAESAREAN SECTION, characterised, a few hours after birth, by the onset of difficulty in breathing. Treatment includes the full gamut of neonatal intensive care, as well as specific therapy with PULMONARY SURFACTANT. Recovery is the rule, although the most severely affected may die or suffer damage from oxygen lack. In this condition the alveoli (see ALVEOLITIS) and the finer BRONCHIOLES of the lungs become lined with a dense membrane. The cause of the condition is a deficiency of SURFACTANT in the lung passages which adversely affects gas exchanges in the alveoli.