Pediatrics
-
Practice Guideline Meta Analysis
Surfactant-replacement therapy for respiratory distress in the preterm and term neonate.
Respiratory failure secondary to surfactant deficiency is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. Surfactant therapy substantially reduces mortality and respiratory morbidity for this population. ⋯ The impact of antenatal steroids and continuous positive airway pressure on outcomes and surfactant use in preterm infants is reviewed. Because respiratory insufficiency may be a component of multiorgan dysfunction, preterm and term infants receiving surfactant-replacement therapy should be managed in facilities with technical and clinical expertise to administer surfactant and provide multisystem support.