Question

1. How is artificial surfactant delivered to the preemie's lungs?

2.  Infants born before 35 weeks of gestation are at risk for developing IRDS because the lungs lack natural surfactant. List the clinical signs (what the preemie presents with) of IRDS which may require artificial surfactant replacement.

3. Dr. Fujiwara successfully experimented with artificial surfactant replacement in 1980. His discovery made it possible for preterm infants to survive. What is the definiton of a premature infant?

4. List some of the possible complications that may occur during the delivery of the artificial surfactant replacement? Remember, sometimes complications are a risk factor that cannot be avoided in order to save a life.

5. There are two, or more, types of Artificial Surfactant brand products used for treatment and/or prevention of IRDS. List at least two.

You will be surprised when you find out how they obtain the artificial surfactant replacement.

Answer 1

Ans:- 1. Surfactant is traditionally administered into the baby's lungs by instilling through the endotracheal tube, but can also be delivered effectively by injection through the nasophayrnx during delivery or by using thin catheter .

Dose should be given 1 hr of birth, but definitely before 2 hours of age.

A repeat dose should be given within 4- 12 hours if the baby is still intubated.

2. Clinical sings of IRDS that require artificial surfactant replacement are as follows:-

- bluish colour of skin and mucous membrane,

- rapid and shallow breathing,

- nasal flaring,

- pulling in of the chest below and between the ribs with each breath.

- brief stop in breathing

- decreased urine output.

3. Premature infant:- Premature infants are those who born before the age of 38th week of gestation.

4. Possible complications that may occur during the delivery of artificial surfactant replacement therapy are as follows:-

- Apnea,

- Bradycardia,

- Blocked ET tube,

- Air leaks,

- Infection,

- Pulmonary haemorrhage and edema,

- Hypothermia,

- Administration of surfactant to only one lung.