Prophylactic adminstration of surfactant in extremely premature infants

• Published in: Klinische Pädiatrie
• Main Authors: Koch, L, Frommhold, D, Beedgen, B, Ruef, P, Pöschl, J
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: 09.06.2010
• ISSN: 0300-8630; 1439-3824
• DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1261493

Objective : To investigate whether prophylactic surfactant administration is superior over selective treatment in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods : In our retrospective analysis, we compared premature infants (23+0 to 26+6 weeks) receiving 200mg/kg surfactant (curosurf®) within five minutes after birth (prophylactic group, N=31) with those infants who received surfactant therapy for established RDS (selective group, N=34). Results : Prophylactic therapy significantly decreased the need for mechanical ventilation (74h per patient vs. 171h per patient, respectively). We observed a reduced incidence of interstitial emphysema (0% vs. 9%, respectively), pneumothoraces (3% vs. 9%, respectively), chronic lung disease (26% vs. 38%, respectively), and surfactant doses per patient (1.3 vs. 1.8, respectively) although those variables did not reach significance. Conclusion : We conclude that infants under 27 weeks' gestation profit from prophylactic surfactant administration by reducing the time of mechanical ventilation. This in turn could contribute to reduce the risk for mechanical ventilation associated complications, without any detrimental short-term side effects.