Can you give surfactant to adults?

Administration of exogenous pulmonary surfactant is an adjunctive therapy that may help adult patients with ARDS. Pulmonary surfactant is produced by type II alveolar cells and is composed of two major fractions: phospholipids (90%) and surfactant-specific proteins (10%).

What does surfactant replacement therapy do?

Surfactant replacement, given as prophylaxis or rescue treatment, reduces the incidence of RDS, air leaks, and mortality in preterm infants with RDS (level of evidence [LOE] 1).

How can surfactant therapy treat respiratory distress?

Introduction. Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins that creates a cohesive surface layer over the alveoli which reduces surface tension and maintains alveolar stability therefore preventing atelectasis.

Can you Nebulize surfactant?

Commonly, surfactant is administered intratracheally. However, this requires airway instrumentation and subsequent fluid instillation which may be harmful. Surfactant nebulization (SN) may offer a safe and effective alternative for surfactant administration, but the clinical efficacy is not yet established.

How long does it take surfactant to work?

Many babies start to get better within 3 to 4 days, as their lungs start to make surfactant on their own. They’ll start to breathe easier, look comfortable, need less oxygen, and can be weaned from the support of CPAP or a ventilator.

What is in nebulizer?

Nebulizer machines are electric devices that turn liquid medicine—like albuterol, an asthma medicine—into a fine mist. Then, the mist travels down a tube and comes out through a mouthpiece or mask. For people who need medication to reach their lungs directly, nebulizers are a great option.

When to use surfactant replacement therapy ( SRT )?

Premature newborns (born prior to 32 weeks’ gestation) are at high risk of developing neonatal respiratory distress (nRDS). Over two decades, surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) became a standard component in the care of infants with nRDS, leading to dramatic reductions in infant mortality rates.

Is there a cure for surfactant deficiency in adults?

Surfactant deficiency in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome has long been recognized. Although clinical trials of surfactant therapy in adults have not achieved the level of success seen in neonates, multiple recent trials have suggested that success is possible. These results have fueled currently ongoing large clinical trials.

How is surfactant replacement used in acute respiratory distress syndrome?

The members of the study group are listed in the Appendix. Patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) have a deficiency of surfactant. Surfactant replacement improves physiologic function in such patients, and preliminary data suggest that it may improve survival.

Is there any surfactant therapy for adults with Ards?

Surfactant therapy in adults with ARDS has had less success. By far the largest trial of surfactant therapy in adults with ARDS reported no clinical benefits following treatment with aerosolized Exosurf in 1996.