Timing of surfactant treatment in respiratory distress syndrome

The introduction of exogenous surfactant in the 1980s has resulted in an improved survival of very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Randomized controlled trials conducted before 2000 have shown the magnitude of this beneficial effect strongly depends on the timing of surfactant treatment, i.e. the earlier surfactant is administered after birth the better. However, the initial mode of respiratory support in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has changed dramatically over the last decades, moving from invasive to non-invasive support.

Source: Seminars in Fetal and Neonatal Medicine - November 21, 2023 Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Anton H. van Kaam, Hendrik J. Niemarkt, Wes Onland Source Type: research