文本框: MODIFIED STABLE MICROBUBBLE TEST FOR PREDICTING THE RISK OF RDS Sim JY, Garcia DC Ilocos Training and Regional Medical Center, San Fernando City, La Union, Philippines Objective: To evaluate the applicability of the stable microbubble test, modified from the original procedure, as a rapid clinical tool in the early recognition of the neonatal respiratory distress syndrome using laboratory materials which are readily available in any hospital setting. Methods: The test was performed on gastric fluid samples obtained immediately after birth from 63 preterm infants. Its ability to predict the neonatal RDS was evaluated by a procedure that was carried out using an ordinary light microscope and a hemocytometer. Counts of less than 10 stable microbubbles /mm2 was considered positive and signified the risk of RDS4. Diagnosis of RDS was made based on clinical and radiologic findings. Results: This method was found to be 95% sensitive, 83% specific, with an overall accuracy of 87%. Likelihood ratio for a positive test result was 5 and coefficient of variation was 7.4%. Conclusion: Short of a prenatal indicator of fetal lung maturity, the reliable information obtained from this test should encourage its use as a rapid bedside predictor of RDS which can be done in any hospital setting and in turn will facilitate early referral to a higher perinatal center. 1921