The Effects of Surfactant on Oxygenation in Term Infants with Respiratory Failure

Objective

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of exogenous surfactant on respiratory indices in term infants with respiratory failure.

Methods

Consecutive 18 mechanically ventilated term infants, who received a single dose of exogenous surfactant were retrospectively included into the study. The respiratory outcome of surfactant rescue therapy was evaluated by comparing respiratory indices before and six hours after surfactant administration.

Findings

Median oxygenation index (OI), mean alveolar pressure (MAP) and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) values were significantly decreased (P<0.001); median arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO₂), arterial oxygen saturation (SaO₂) and PaO₂/FiO₂ values were significantly increased six hours after surfactant treatment (P<0.001).

Conclusion

Rescue therapy with surfactant was found to be effective in the improvement of early respiratory indices in term infants with respiratory failure.