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Neurodevelopmental and respiratory outcome in early childhood after human surfactant treatment
Y E Vaucher1, T A Merritt, M Hallman
1Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego.
Insights
Human surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome showed no long-term adverse effects in very low birth weight infants. Chronic lung disease, however, was linked to poorer growth and neurodevelopmental issues.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Developmental Pediatrics
Background:
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a common condition in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants.
- Surfactant replacement therapy is a standard treatment for RDS.
- Long-term outcomes of human surfactant use in VLBW infants require ongoing assessment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the long-term effects of human surfactant treatment on postnatal growth, neurodevelopmental outcomes, and respiratory illnesses in VLBW infants.
- To compare outcomes between infants receiving human surfactant and a control group.
- To identify factors associated with adverse outcomes in VLBW infants.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, controlled, bicenter clinical trial involving 46 VLBW infants.
- Infants were treated with human surfactant or received standard care (control).
- Postnatal growth, neurodevelopmental assessments, and respiratory illness occurrence were evaluated at 12 to 24 months of age.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in growth, neurologic, or developmental outcomes were observed between the human surfactant-treated group and the control group.
- Infants diagnosed with chronic lung disease exhibited poorer growth patterns.
- A higher incidence of neurodevelopmental abnormalities was noted in infants with chronic lung disease, irrespective of treatment allocation.
Conclusions:
- Human surfactant treatment for RDS in VLBW infants appears safe regarding long-term growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes.
- Chronic lung disease is a significant risk factor for adverse growth and neurodevelopmental outcomes in VLBW infants.
- Further research may be warranted to explore interventions for VLBW infants with chronic lung disease to mitigate long-term morbidities.
Abstract:
We assessed postnatal growth, neurodevelopmental outcome, and occurrence of respiratory illnesses in 46 infants of very low birth weight who were enrolled in a randomized, controlled, bicenter clinical trial of human surfactant treatment for respiratory distress syndrome. No long-term adverse effects of human surfactant treatment were detected between control and human surfactant-treated infants with respect to growth, neurologic, or developmental outcome. Infants with chronic lung disease, regardless of treatment group, had poorer growth and were more likely to have neurodevelopmental abnormalities at 12 to 24 months of age.