• H D Modanlou, K Beharry, G Padilla, K Norris, S Safvati, and J V Aranda.
• University of California, Irvine Medical Center, Orange, USA.
• J Perinatol. 1997 Nov 1;17(6):455-60.

ObjectivesTo determine the comparative efficacy of Exosurf Neonatal and Survanta surfactants on the early course of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), arterial blood gases, ventilatory support, outcome morbidity rate, and complications of prematurity and RDS.Study DesignMedical records from 203 premature newborn infants undergoing mechanical ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome, and who received up to four rescue doses of either Exosurf or Survanta, were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsAll groups were comparable for birth weight and gestational age. Although the two randomized groups were similar in severity of RDS based on fraction of inspired oxygen (FIO2) and ventilatory support, a significantly greater improvement in respiratory function as evidenced by FIO2, mean airway pressure, alveolar-arterial partial pressure of oxygen difference, and oxygen index, was observed in the Survanta group from 12 hours (p < 0.05) through 48 hours (p < 0.01). Comparison of outcome morbidity rate by gestational age showed a higher occurrence of retinopathy of prematurity (p < 0.02) among the older infants (28 to 32 weeks) who were treated with Exosurf.ConclusionSurvanta exerted a significantly faster response in the early clinical course of RDS compared with Exosurf. However, no difference in the impact on eventual respiratory outcome was observed. We therefore conclude that both surfactants are effective for the treatment of RDS.

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