Research progress of less invasive surfactant application in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

Intratracheal surfactant administration is the only specific treatment for respiratory distress syndrome and usually requires endotracheal intubation, positive pressure and/or mechanical ventilation which are harmful to the immature lung.One of these alternative methods is less invasive surfactant application (LISA) via a thin endotracheal catheter during spontaneous breathing with continuous positive airway pressure.Use of LISA allows administration of surfactant while avoiding intubation and positive pressure.Observational studies have fostered expectations of a positive effect of LISA on serious complications of preterm infants and the need for mechanical ventilation.However, there is still a controversy about indications, premedication and serious complications of preterm infants while using LISA.This article reviews the controversies of LISA technology in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Key words: Less invasive surfactant application; Respiratory distress syndrome; Pulmonary surfactant; Endotracheal intubation; Infant, premature; Mechanical ventilation; Serious complications