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Published on: May 4, 2020
Surfactant delivery strategies to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Angela Kribs1, Kari D Roberts2, Daniele Trevisanuto3
1Division of Neonatology, Department of Paediatrics, University of Cologne, Faculty of medicine, Cologne, Germany.
Insights
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a serious risk for preterm infants, influenced by antenatal factors and respiratory support. Alternative surfactant delivery methods while on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) may help prevent BPD.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
- Perinatal Research
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a significant complication in preterm infants, often linked to antenatal factors and respiratory support strategies.
- Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) treatment with oxygen and positive pressure ventilation increases BPD risk.
- Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) can reduce mechanical ventilation but may delay essential surfactant therapy for RDS.
Approach:
- This review examines alternative surfactant delivery methods compatible with CPAP.
- Investigated strategies include nebulization, pharyngeal instillation, and delivery via supraglottic airways or thin catheters.
- The review synthesizes available data on the efficacy of these approaches.
Key Points:
- Alternative surfactant delivery methods aim to provide RDS treatment benefits during CPAP support.
- These strategies may mitigate the risks associated with prolonged positive pressure ventilation.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of these novel delivery systems is crucial for BPD prevention.
Conclusions:
- Alternative surfactant delivery during CPAP offers a promising avenue for reducing BPD incidence in preterm infants.
- Further research is needed to solidify the evidence base for these innovative therapeutic approaches.
- Optimizing respiratory support and surfactant administration is key to improving outcomes for vulnerable preterm neonates.
Abstract:
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is one of the most devastating morbidities of preterm infants. Antenatal factors like growth restriction and inflammation are risk factors for its development. Use of oxygen and positive pressure ventilation, which are often necessary to treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), increase the risk for development of BPD. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as primary respiratory support allows for avoidance of positive pressure ventilation in many cases but may lead to a delay of surfactant administration which is a proven therapy for RDS. Several alternative surfactant delivery strategies, including nebulization of surfactant, pharyngeal instillation of surfactant, delivery of surfactant via supraglottic airway device or surfactant delivery via a thin endotracheal catheter have been described which allow for the benefit of surfactant therapy while on CPAP. This review reports available data and discusses the existing evidence of their value in preventing BPD as well as further research directions.
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