What Does Surfactant Treat

Surfactant has revolutionized the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome and some other respiratory conditions that affect the fragile neonatal lung. Despite its widespread use, the optimal method of surfactant administration in preterm infants has yet to be clearly determined.

When should surfactant be given?

Ideally the dose should be given within 1 hr of birth but definitely before 2 hours of age. A repeat dose should be given within 4 – 12 hours if the patient is still intubated and requiring more than 30 to 40% oxygen.

What is the function of surfactant in the respiratory system?

Pulmonary surfactant is essential for life as it lines the alveoli to lower surface tension, thereby preventing atelectasis during breathing. Surfactant is enriched with a relatively unique phospholipid, termed dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, and four surfactant-associated proteins, SP-A, SP-B, SP-C, and SP-D.