A Study on the Effects of Early Surfactant Replacement and Gentle Ventilation in the Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Lee, Yong Suk; Lee, Ji Hye; Lee, Sang Geel

Abstract

PURPOSE
Recently, early surfactant replacement and tidal volume based gentle ventilation has been a fundamental treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The aims of this study were to survey the changes in ventilator care duration and rate of complication in RDS groups. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of 255 newborn infants less than 1, 500 g admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and discharged from January 1999 to December 2003. 141 of 255 newborn infants were RDS groups that required invasive management, such as endotracheal intubation, surfactant replacement and assisted ventilation. We analyzed epidemiologic data to study the changes in ventilator care duration and outcome of RDS groups. RESULTS: Of 141 RDS groups, 135 were mild to moderate RDS groups and only 6 were severe RDS groups. 24 (17.8%) of 135 mild to moderate RDS groups and 3 (50%) of 6 severe RDS groups were antenatal no use of maternal dexamethasone. 127 (90.1%) of 141 RDS groups underwent replacement of surfactant during 3 hours after birth. 121 (85.9%) weaned within 48 hours. CONCLUSION: Our study shows a decreased frequency of severe RDS by a antenatal use of maternal dexamethasone and decreased duration of ventilator care by early surfactant replacement and gentle ventilation.