Influences of the Intrapulmonary R-->L Shunt on PaO2 and PaCO2 after Instillation of Exogenous Pulmonary Surfactant to Premature Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: We are inclined to analyze the relationship between the intrapulmonary right-to-left shunt and the PaO2/PaCO2 after endotracheal single-dose surfactant instillation to premature neonates with respiratory distress syndrome within 6 hours after birth. METHODS: From Jan. 1993 to Jun. 1995, we have conducted a clinical trial of surfactant replacement therapy to the premature neonates with respiratory distress syndrome at the neonatal intensive care unit of InHa University Hospital. The surfactant group (n=17) was given Surfactant-TA and mechanical ventilator care, but the control group (n=22) was treated with only mechanical ventilator. We analyzed umbilical arterial blood gases and estimated respiratoy indexes before and after treatment. RESULTS: 1) The QSP/QT decreased initially in the surfactant group, but significantly increased 24 hours after treatment in the control group (40.6+/-4.7%, P0.5) resulted in a decrease in PaO2 and also a significant relationship was found between the QSP/QT and the PaO2. However, there was no significant relationship between the QSP/QT and the PaCO2.