Surfactant replacement therapy. Innovative care for the premature infant.

Prematurity is one of the most perplexing problems in perinatal care. Since the discovery of a surfactant deficiency as the primary etiology of hyaline membrane disease, attempts have been made to supplement surfactant in the premature infant. Surfactant replacement therapy is a promising new treatment for the premature infant with hyaline membrane disease. The history of surfactant replacement therapy, current trials of this therapy, nursing care of the infant receiving surfactant replacement, and future directions for nursing research in this area are discussed. Infants receiving this therapy require special nursing care to assure the best possible outcome. Nursing interventions at the time of delivery as well as those required in the neonatal intensive care unit are discussed.