Research progress of less invasive surfactant application in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

ABSTRACT

Intratracheal surfactant administration is the only specific treatment for respiratory distress syndrome and usually requires endotracheal intubation, positive pressure and/or mechanical ventilation which are harmful to the immature lung.One of these alternative methods is less invasive surfactant application (LISA) via a thin endotracheal catheter during spontaneous breathing with continuous positive airway pressure.Use of LISA allows administration of surfactant while avoiding intubation and positive pressure.Observational studies have fostered expectations of a positive effect of LISA on serious complications of preterm infants and the need for mechanical ventilation.However, there is still a controversy about indications, premedication and serious complications of preterm infants while using LISA.This article reviews the controversies of LISA technology in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.