Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026

Lavage-induced Surfactant Depletion in Pigs As a Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Published on: September 7, 2016
Surfactant replacement for ventilator-associated pneumonia: a preliminary report
Robert P Baughman1, Rogene F Henderson, Jeffrey Whitsett
1Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267-0564, USA. bob.baughman@uc.edu
Exogenous surfactant replacement in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) increased disaturated phospholipids (DSPL) levels and reduced neutrophils. However, this did not improve patient outcomes like mortality or ventilator days.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Critical Care
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Bacterial pneumonia is associated with surfactant abnormalities.
- Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common complication in intensive care units.
- Understanding surfactant's role in VAP is crucial for treatment development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of exogenous surfactant replacement therapy in VAP patients.
- To assess the impact of artificial surfactant (Exosurf) on VAP.
- To determine if surfactant therapy influences inflammatory markers in VAP.
Main Methods:
- A double-blind, randomized study involving 22 VAP patients.
- Treatment groups received either artificial surfactant (Exosurf) or saline via nebulizer for 5 days.
- Bronchoscopy and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) were performed before and after treatment.
Main Results:
- Exosurf administration led to a significant increase in disaturated phospholipids (DSPL) in BAL fluid, confirming drug delivery.
- The percentage of neutrophils in BAL fluid decreased significantly in the Exosurf group compared to the saline group.
- No significant differences were observed in clinical outcomes, including days on ventilator or mortality rates.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous surfactant replacement in VAP increases DSPL levels in the lungs.
- This therapy is associated with a reduced neutrophil inflammatory response in VAP.
- Current evidence does not support a clinical benefit of exogenous surfactant in VAP regarding mortality or ventilation duration.
More Related Videos
09:36Halogenated Agent Delivery in Porcine Model of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome via an Intensive Care Unit Type Device
Published on: September 24, 2020
06:22Surfactant Depletion Combined with Injurious Ventilation Results in a Reproducible Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
Published on: April 7, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Breathing
Acute Respiratory Failure-V
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Ventilatory Modes
There are three ventilatory modes: full support, partial support, and spontaneous. These are described below.
Full Support Modes
Full support modes include controlled mechanical ventilation, continuous mandatory...
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease