J Korean Soc Neonatol.  2012 Nov;19(4):184-194. 10.5385/jksn.2012.19.4.184.

New Synthetic Surfactants for Neonates

• Kim YD

• KMID: 2188307
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5385/jksn.2012.19.4.184

Abstract

The benefits of exogenous synthetic or animal-derived natural surfactants for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are well established. Although synthetic surfactants have potential safety advantages over animal-derived products, they seem to be clinically inferior to animal-derived natural surfactant, based on the results of numerous comparative trials. In recent years, however, synthetic surfactant has experienced a surge in breakthroughs to the point of rivaling natural surfactant, mainly due to the development of protein-containing synthetic surfactant. This article will review the historical background on the development of artificial pulmonary surfactant, compositional and physicochemical aspects on pulmonary surfactant lipids and proteins, results of comparative trials among natural, protein-free and protein-containing surfactants, and current status of development of protein-containing surfactants for treatment of RDS.

Keyword

Respiratory distress syndrome; Hyaline membrane disease; Surfactant; Premature infant; Surface tension; Surfactantassociated protein

MeSH Terms

Humans
Hyaline Membrane Disease
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature
Proteins
Pulmonary Surfactants
Surface Tension
Surface-Active Agents
Proteins
Pulmonary Surfactants
Surface-Active Agents