Pulmonary function at school-age in surfactant-treated preterm infants.

Area of Science:

• Pediatrics
• Neonatology
• Pulmonology

Background:

• Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common condition in premature infants.
• Exogenous surfactant therapy is a standard treatment for RDS.
• Long-term pulmonary sequelae of surfactant treatment in premature infants are not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine long-term pulmonary sequelae of exogenous surfactant therapy in premature infants with RDS.
• To compare lung function between surfactant-treated and placebo groups at early school-age.

Main Methods:

• A follow-up study of 40 children (22 surfactant-treated, 18 placebo) from a randomized trial.
• Lung function tests (LFTs) including functional residual capacity (FRC), airway resistance (R(aw,exp)), and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) were performed.
• Bronchial hyperreactivity was assessed using a standardized running test.

Main Results:

• No significant differences in LFT parameters (FRC, R(aw,exp), FEV1) between surfactant and placebo groups.
• Maximal expiratory flow at 25% vital capacity was below predicted range in both groups.
• No significant difference in bronchial hyperreactivity between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Exogenous surfactant therapy for RDS does not appear to cause major long-term pulmonary abnormalities at early school-age.
• Lung function and bronchial reactivity were similar between surfactant-treated and placebo groups.
• Further follow-up is recommended due to limitations in cooperation during LFTs.