ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The prophylactic surfactant treatment has been found to improve patient outcomes, compared to the rescue treatment. We performed a multicenter study to determine the relationship between the timing of the initial surfactant treatment and patient outcomes. METHODS: One hundred and seventy one neonates, born at eight different centers, from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2005, were enrolled. The included subjects were gestational age less than 34 weeks, birth weights less than 1500 g and had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) that received surfactant. First, a group that received surfactant within two hours after birth was compared to a group that received surfactant after two hours. Next, a group that received surfactant within 30 minutes after birth was compared to a group that received surfactant after 30 minutes. RESULTS: The mean time after birth at which the initial surfactant was administered to neonates was 140.0 +/- 114.3 minutes. The incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), duration of ventilatory support and hospital days were significantly reduced in the group that received surfactant within two hours after birth. The incidence of PDA and duration of ventilatory support were significantly reduced in the group that received surfactant within 30 minutes after birth. CONCLUSION: Surfactant treatment should be provided to premature infants, as soon as possible.