All issues > Volume 52(1); 2009

Original Article

Korean J Pediatr. 2009;52(1):44-49. Published online January 15, 2009.

The effects of early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation on prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in respiratory distress syndrome

Jong Jin JJ Park¹, Pil Sang PS Lee¹, Sang Geel SG Lee¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Fatima Hospital, Daegu, Korea

Correspondence Sang Geel SG Lee ,Email: sgleeped@korea.com

Abstract

Purpose
: Early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia needed prolonged oxygen supplement is a problem. This study aimed to report the effects of early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation on the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in respiratory distress syndrome.
Methods
: We retrospectively studied 139 premature newborn infants (gestational age, 36 weeks; birth weight, 1,500 gm) admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit of Daegu Fatima Hospital between January 2001 and December 2006. We analyzed the occurrence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia with respect to ventilator care and surfactant treatment.
Results
: The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was significantly higher with prolonged ventilator care, moderate to severe respiratory distress syndrome, and low Apgar score (P<0.001). Despite early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation, mild bronchopulmonary dysplasia occurs in a considerable number of patients with mild respiratory distress syndrome. The patient group with low Apgar scores required ventilator care for a prolonged period (P=0.020).
Conclusion
: Early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation shortens the duration of ventilator care; however, the preventive effects on bronchopulmonary dysplasia are limited. Therefore, not only early surfactant treatment and minimal ventilation but also appropriate management in the delivery room is essential.

Keywords :Minimal ventilation, Surfactant, Bronchopulmonary dysplasia