Surfaktantbehandling af svært respiratorisk distress-syndrom

The first Danish experience of treatment of the respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants with exogenous surfactant is described. Fifteen infants with birthweights of 645-1,865 g and gestational ages of 25-32 weeks, all receiving artificial ventilation with at least 60% oxygen for severe RDS, were treated with purified porcine surfactant (Curosurf) within the first 28 hours of life. Pulmonary function improved immediately in all of the infants. Four infants (27%) died, four (27%) developed bronchopulmonary dysplasia (pulmonary fibrosis) and two (13%) had late neurological sequelae. These preliminary results are considered to be promising and they are in complete agreement with the results of randomised, controlled investigations from abroad. Systematic registration is, however, still necessary.