effect of bovine surfactant therapy on the ventilatory settings of newborns with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ABSTRACT

80 newborns with respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] were studied. 56 cases received a bovine surfactant preparation [Survanta] at 100 mg/kg/dose with 28 receiving a single dose and 28 others receiving 2 or more doses. The remaining 24 cases did not receive surfactant therapy and served as controls. FiO2%, ventilation index [VI] and mean airway pressure [MAP] were selected as indicators for assessment of the ventilatory requirements of the studied cases. This study presented conclusive evidence that employment of surfactant therapy was clearly advantageous in cases of RDS. It resulted in lower levels of FiO2%, VI, and MAP indicating less requirement for oxygen and achievement of better oxygenation at lower ventilatory settings. It is also clearly evident that multiple dose surfactant therapy achieved even better results than single dose therapy. The seemingly higher rates of complications and mortality have been attributed to the severity of RDS rather than employment of surfactant therapy