Surfactant use in premature neonates <37 weeks gestation: Experience and outcome at a tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVE

To assess a single-centre experience and outcome of premature neonates who received surfactant therapy.

METHODS

The prospective cohort study was done at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from December 2005 to May 2007 and comprised premature neonates (< 37 weeks gestation) who had clinical and radiologic evidence of respiratory distress syndrome and had received surfactant therapy. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 52 premature neonates received surfactant. Mean gestational age was 29±2.8 weeks and mean birth weight was 1273±487gms. Only 16(31%) mothers had received antenatal dexamethasone. Surfactant was used as single dose in 41(78%) neonates at 6.1±6.6hours of life or two doses in 11(22%). Chest X-ray and respiratory distress syndrome category showed an overall improvement in 29 (56%) neonates. Complications were seen in 17(33%) neonates, and 21(40%) died. Mortality was significantly associated with gestation (p< 0.000) and weight (p< 0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

Surfactant administration is an option for respiratory distress syndrome in Pakistan.