Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 7, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
06:15

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus

Published on: March 6, 2019

Which clinical markers for appropriate timing of surfactant therapy?

Gianluca Lista1, Francesca Castoldi

  • 1NICU - "V.Buzzi" Children's Hospital, ICP.

Acta Bio-Medica : Atenei Parmensis
|September 21, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Optimal resuscitation for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requires careful consideration of surfactant replacement timing. A comprehensive evaluation integrating multiple clinical and physiological factors is essential for effective treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatology
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) is a common condition in preterm infants.
  • Effective management of RDS involves resuscitation and timely surfactant replacement.
  • There is a lack of universal consensus on the optimal timing for surfactant administration in RDS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To highlight the importance of appropriate timing for surfactant replacement in preterm infants with RDS.
  • To emphasize the need for a multifactorial approach in evaluating the need for surfactant therapy.
  • To discuss the key parameters that should guide clinical decisions regarding surfactant administration.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current literature and clinical guidelines on RDS management.
  • Analysis of factors influencing the decision for surfactant replacement.
  • Discussion of diagnostic criteria and physiological parameters.

Main Results:

  • No single factor universally determines the optimal timing of surfactant replacement.
  • A combination of antenatal steroid administration, radiological findings, clinical presentation, FiO2 requirements, Oxygen Index (OI), and arterial to alveolar oxygen tension ratio (a/ApO2) should be considered.
  • Individualized assessment is crucial for each preterm infant with RDS.

Conclusions:

  • A consensus on surfactant replacement timing in RDS is lacking.
  • A comprehensive evaluation integrating clinical, radiological, and physiological data is necessary.
  • Tailored management strategies improve outcomes for preterm infants with RDS.

More Related Videos

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs08:58

Development of a Neonatal Piglet Acute Lung Injury Model Recreating the Early Environment of Preterm Infant Lungs

Published on: October 31, 2025

Related Concept Videos

Breathing01:05

Breathing

The process of breathing, inhaling and exhaling, involves the coordinated movement of the chest wall, the lungs, and the muscles that move them. Two muscle groups with important roles in breathing are the diaphragm, located directly below the lungs, and the intercostal muscles, which lie between the ribs. When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward, increasing the volume of the thoracic cavity and creating more room for the lungs to expand. When the intercostal muscles contract, the ribs...
Acute Respiratory Failure-V01:29

Acute Respiratory Failure-V

The treatment for acute respiratory failure varies based on factors like the underlying cause, overall health, and severity. A collaborative healthcare team is essential for early detection, often through arterial blood gas analysis. Identifying the cause is the primary goal, with treatment strategies adjusted for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) mismatch, shunting, or diffusion impairment.
Ensure that patients are monitored continuously for their response to therapy, including changes in...
Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications01:19

Respiratory Assessment: Purpose and Indications

Respiratory assessment is a cornerstone of nursing assessments, crucial for the early detection of patient deterioration. This evaluation transcends routine procedures, representing a critical skill nurses must master to ensure optimal patient care.
Objectives and Importance:
The primary goal of respiratory assessment is to evaluate patients at early risk of clinical deterioration. Since respiratory distress often precedes other signs of declining health, breathing patterns and sounds become a...
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...