SURFACTANT IS EVEN MORE EFFECTIVE IN LARGER PREMATURE INFANTS.

Several recent studies have shown that synthetic surfactant therapy reduces the incidence and improves the outcome of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in small premature infants (see Journal Watch accession numbers 910719004 and 910315001). A multicenter randomized trial from the U.S. and Canada finds even greater benefits in larger premature infants who have RDS.

The 1237 infants in the study, all weighing 1250 g or more, had either surfactant or air placebo instilled via the endotracheal tube within 24 hours of birth and again 12 hours later. At 28 days, the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death was significantly lower in the surfactant-treated group (7 percent vs. 12 percent). The surfactant group also had significantly lowe…