Review of experimental hyaline membrane disease.

The prematurely delivered, artificially ventilated mammalian foetus provides an accurate experimental model of Hyaline Membrane Disease (HMD). Using this model, several investigators have demonstrated the central role of surfactant deficiency in the pathogenesis of neonatal HMD. The model has also been used for evaluation of artificial surfactants, instilled via the airways as substitutes for natural surfactant. Recent observations indicate that a surfactant preparation which improves lung compliance and prevents the development of epithelial lung lesions in this experimental model, should be effective also in the treatment of patients with neonatal HMD or other forms of surfactant deficiency.