Which group of infants is at risk for transient tachypnea of the newborn due to surfactant deficiency?

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a respiratory condition that occurs due to a temporary deficiency of surfactant in the lungs, typically resolving within a few days after birth. The correct answer identifies a group of infants who are at risk for this condition due to the lack of adequate surfactant production.

Infants of diabetic mothers are at an increased risk for various respiratory complications, including TTN. This is partially due to the influence of maternal diabetes on fetal development, where higher insulin levels can inhibit the secretion of surfactant, which is essential for normal lung function and the prevention of alveolar collapse. Consequently, when these infants are born, they can present with respiratory distress indicative of TTN.

The other groups listed, such as premature infants, are known to have a higher risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), primarily due to significant surfactant deficiency that is more pronounced in those born before 34 weeks of gestation. While infants with low birth weight or those delivered via C-section can also present respiratory challenges, these factors are more directly related to RDS or the effects of surgical delivery, rather than specifically to transient tachypnea linked to surfactant deficiency. Therefore, the emphasis on diabetic mothers highlights