Hyaline membrane disease

Hyaline membrane disease, or respiratory distress syndrome, lung condition that is a common cause of death in premature babies. The disease is characterized by underdeveloped lungs that lack pulmonary surfactant, a substance that prevents the collapse of air sacs after breathing has begun. Immature lungs produce a glassy membrane that covers open bronchioles. Breathing becomes strained and death frequently occcurs from lack of oxygen.