Abstract
Three infants with severe HMD were given surfactant with dramatic results. The surfactant phospholipid was extracted from a bovine lung wash by the Folch procedure, all but a trace of protein removed, and autoclaved at 120°C for 30 minutes. Each infant was mechanically ventilated and received 8 ml. of surfactant into the endotracheal tube. The rapid improvement in oxygenation led to a decrease in FiO2 and ventilation as shown in the table.
Partial clearing of the chest x-ray was followed by diffuse opacification (atelectasis and edema). The initial marked improvement in oxygenation did not “cure” other aspects of prematurity. Baby 2 had intraventricular hemorrhages on day 2 and later was ventilated for apnea. Baby 3 had a PDA treated conservatively. Post extubation all required supplementary O2 (< 30%) for 10, 2 and 1.5 weeks.
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Smyth, J., Metcalfe, I., Duffty, P. et al. 1431 SURFACTANT THERAPY IN HYALINE MEMBRANE DISEASE (HMD). Pediatr Res 15 (Suppl 4), 681 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01460
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198104001-01460