[Surfactant to premature neonates]

Surfactant is a lipoprotein complex which reduces alveolar surface tension, thus reducing the work of respiration. Defective secretion of surfactant in the premature newborn infant gives rise to the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Several surfactant preparations, natural (purified) and synthetic, have been evolved. They have been used for prophylaxis and also therapy. Several controlled studies have shown decreased mortality, while the effect on neonatal complications and late results are still uncertain.