Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates (Hyaline Membrane Disease) By Arcangela Lattari Balest, MD, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine Reviewed / Revised Jul 2021 | Modified Sep 2022 View Patient Education Etiology Pathophysiology Symptoms and Signs Diagnosis Prognosis Treatment Prevention Key Points Respiratory distress syndrome is caused by pulmonary surfactant deficiency in the lungs of neonates, most commonly in those born at < 37 weeks gestation.