The prevention, and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome continues to evolve and improve with the predictive use of the lecithin-syringomyelin ratios in determining optimal delivery time for some infants and in the application of continuous positive airway pressure and other techniques of providing positive transpulmonary pressure. CPAP may be effectively applied with nasal prongs and reduce the need for endotracheal intubation. Current criteria for instituting the various levels of respiratory support are outlined. Intermittent mandatory ventilation is briefly described.