Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 28, 2026

Lavage-induced Surfactant Depletion in Pigs As a Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
07:20

Lavage-induced Surfactant Depletion in Pigs As a Model of the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)

Published on: September 7, 2016

[Treatment of severe respiratory distress syndrome with surfactant]

T Jacobsen1, H Verder, L Skov

  • 1Neonatalafdeling GN, Rigshospitalet, København.

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|June 1, 1992
PubMed

Insights

The first Danish study on exogenous surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants shows promising results. Pulmonary function improved, though further registration is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common condition in preterm infants.
  • Artificial ventilation with high oxygen concentrations is often required for severe RDS.
  • Exogenous surfactant therapy has shown promise in improving outcomes for preterm infants with RDS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To describe the initial Danish experience with exogenous surfactant treatment for severe RDS in preterm infants.
  • To evaluate the efficacy and safety of purified porcine surfactant (Curosurf) in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Fifteen preterm infants (birthweights 645-1,865 g, gestational ages 25-32 weeks) with severe RDS requiring mechanical ventilation (>60% oxygen) were treated with Curosurf within 28 hours of birth.
  • Pulmonary function was monitored post-treatment.

Main Results:

  • Immediate improvement in pulmonary function was observed in all treated infants.
  • Mortality rate was 27% (4/15).
  • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (pulmonary fibrosis) occurred in 27% (4/15) and late neurological sequelae in 13% (2/15) of infants.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary results suggest that exogenous surfactant therapy is a promising treatment for severe RDS in preterm infants.
  • The findings align with international randomized controlled trials.
  • Systematic registration and further studies are necessary to confirm these outcomes.

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