Surfactant treatment for neonatal respiratory disorders other than respiratory distress syndrome

It is suggested that there may be expanded use of surfactant replacement for the neonatal diseases such as meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS), pneumonia and possibly bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

To evaluate the characteristics and short-term outcome of the neonates given exogenous surfactant because of the diseases other than respiratory disease syndrome (RDS).

This retrospective study included 35 neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit from January 2012 to December 2012 for an expanded use of surfactant. Data related to gestational age, birth weight, gender and perinatal risk factors were obtained from the patients' records. The short-term prognosis was also noted.

The diagnosis was sepsis in 16 patients, eight MAS, seven transient tachypnea of the newborns (TTN) and four BPD. Mean gestational age was 35.6 ± 4.5 weeks and mean birth weight was 2661 ± 981 g. Of overall cases, 65% were boys and 35% girls. The mortality rate was 17%. Of six fatal cases, three was with BPD, two with sepsis and one with MAS.

We think that surfactant replacement may be life saver in the neonatal diseases other than RDS such as BPD, MAS and sepsis by rapidly improving oxygenation. Further investigation is necessary to validate the significance of expanded use of surfactant.