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Use of natural surfactant in an infant with aspiration syndrome

M Bisceglia1, M Verre, F Tancioni

  • 1Department of Neonatology Intensive Care Unit, S. Giovanni di Dio Hospital, Crotone, Italy. m.bisceglia@tin.it

Minerva Pediatrica
|November 6, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Porcine surfactant (Curosurf) successfully treated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in an 18-month-old child following gastric juice inhalation. This highlights surfactant therapy

Area of Science:

  • Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Pediatric Respiratory Medicine

Background:

  • Surfactant therapy is established in neonatal respiratory distress.
  • Pulmonary pathophysiology suggests potential benefits in non-neonatal populations.
  • Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) presents significant respiratory challenges.

Observation:

  • An 18-month-old child presented with ARDS.
  • The ARDS was caused by asphyxiation due to gastric juice inhalation.
  • Standard ventilatory therapy was initiated.

Findings:

  • The child received porcine surfactant (Curosurf) as an adjunct therapy.
  • The combination of surfactant and ventilatory support led to successful treatment.
  • This case demonstrates the efficacy of surfactant in pediatric ARDS.

Implications:

  • Surfactant therapy may be a viable treatment option for pediatric ARDS beyond neonatal indications.
  • This approach could improve outcomes for children with severe respiratory failure.
  • Further research into surfactant use for ARDS in children is warranted.

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