
How many people are needed to administer surfactant?
How to warm a vial of surfactant before administration?
What happens if a neonate is not intubated?
How long does it take for ventilator settings to improve?
What is a surfactant?
What is the purpose of pulmonary surfactant?
Does meconium aspiration syndrome improve oxygenation?
See 4 more
About this website

Can surfactant be given after 24 hours?
The optimal time for rescue surfactant administration is within 2 to 6 hours of birth. b. In general, the literature does not support giving a first dose of surfactant past about 24 hours of life.
Why is surfactant important in the first minutes after birth?
Why is surfactant so important? Premature infants may be born before their lungs make enough surfactant. Low amounts of surfactant lead to poor lung function. This results in stiff, collapsible lungs and increased fluid in the lungs, making it hard work to breathe.
How long should you try to wait before suctioning a neonate after they have received exogenous surfactant?
Infants on high frequency ventilation mode (HFOV) should receive manual ventilation using the Neopuff until the surfactant is adequately dispersed. Suctioning should be avoided for 4 hours (unless absolutely indicated for a blocked ETT).
How do you administer surfactant?
Medical practitioner or NNP to administer the surfactant via the pre-cut tube to the distal end of the endotracheal tube in a single bolus dose or in two aliquots as quickly as the neonate tolerates. The total dose is usually given less than a minute.
When do you repeat surfactant?
Dosing and re-dosing surfactant Generally accepted practice at the present time is to repeat doses of surfactant only when there is evidence of ongoing RDS based on ventilation and oxygen requirements.
What are three signs of respiratory distress in the newborn?
Babies who have RDS may show these signs:Fast breathing very soon after birth.Grunting “ugh” sound with each breath.Changes in color of lips, fingers and toes.Widening (flaring) of the nostrils with each breath.Chest retractions - skin over the breastbone and ribs pulls in during breathing.
How does surfactant cause pulmonary hemorrhage?
On one hand, pulmonary hemorrhage is thought to be a complication of surfactant therapy because surfactant can rapidly lower the intrapulmonary pressure, which facilitates left to right shunting through PDA and an increase in pulmonary blood flow.
Does surfactant cause pneumothorax?
Pneumothorax is a known complication of surfactant administration, and premature infants are at higher risk of pneumothorax when given surfactant.
How do you warm up surfactant?
4.5 Preparation 4.5. 1 Warm to room temperature prior to administration. Remove surfactant from the freezer or refrigerator and bring preparation close to room temperature (from frozen, 60 minutes; from refrigerated, 20 minutes or if warmed by holding in the hand, 5 to 10 minutes) before administering.
What is the most common complication of surfactant administration in a preterm neonate?
The short-term risks of surfactant replacement therapy include bradycardia and hypoxemia during instillation, as well as blockage of the endotracheal tube (36).
What are the side effects of surfactant?
Side effects of lung surfactants may include the following:Cyanosis (bluish skin coloration due to low oxygen)Airway obstruction.Bradycardia (slow heartbeat)Endotracheal tube reflux.Endotracheal tube blockage.Oxygen desaturation.Requirement for manual ventilation.Reintubation.More items...
When do babies need surfactant?
Surfactant is made by the cells in the airways and consists of phospholipids and protein. It begins to be produced in the fetus at about 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, and is found in amniotic fluid between 28 and 32 weeks. By about 35 weeks gestation, most babies have developed adequate amounts of surfactant.
What is the purpose of surfactant?
Function. The main functions of surfactant are as follows: (1) lowering surface tension at the air–liquid interface and thus preventing alveolar collapse at end-expiration, (2) interacting with and subsequent killing of pathogens or preventing their dissemination, and (3) modulating immune responses.
Which action best explains the main role of surfactant in the neonate?
Which action best explains the main role of surfactant in the neonate? Surfactant works by reducing surface tension in the lung.
When do babies need surfactant?
Surfactant is made by the cells in the airways and consists of phospholipids and protein. It begins to be produced in the fetus at about 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, and is found in amniotic fluid between 28 and 32 weeks. By about 35 weeks gestation, most babies have developed adequate amounts of surfactant.
What is surfactant replacement therapy in newborns?
Surfactant-replacement therapy is a life-saving treatment for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome, a disorder characterized by surfactant deficiency. Repletion with exogenous surfactant decreases mortality and thoracic air leaks and is a standard practice in the developed world.
NICU Surfactant Guideline
ALASKA NATIVE MEDICAL CENTER NICU GUIDELINES Appendix A: Pre-Procedure Checklist o Pediatrician has obtained verbal informed consent from infant’s parent (unless the parent is unavailable or unreachable). o Pediatrician has reviewed the chest x-ray. o Pediatrician confirms the diagnosis/indication for administration of surfactant. o Team pauses together to perform a time out.
Surfactant administration in neonates: A review of delivery methods
Surfactant has revolutionized the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome and some other respiratory conditions that affect the fragile neonatal lung. Despite its widespread use, the optimal method of surfactant administration in preterm infants has yet to be clearly determined. The present artic …
Guidelines for surfactant replacement therapy in neonates
Surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) plays a pivotal role in the management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) because it improves survival and reduces respiratory morbidities. With the increasing use of noninvasive ventilation as the primary mode of respiratory support for preterm …
BERACTANT - Welcome to RobHolland.com
Availability. 25 mg/mL suspension. Actions. Beractant is a sterile nonpyrogenic pulmonary surfactant. Endogenous pulmonary surfactant lowers surface tension on alveolar surfaces during respiration and stabilizes the alveoli against collapse at resting pressures.
Surfactant administration in neonates: A review of delivery methods
Treatment with exogenous surfactant has saved the lives of thousands of premature babies in the past few decades ().The therapeutic efficiency of a given surfactant preparation correlates with its lipid and protein composition (and other factors), but it is also highly dependent on the technique used for administration.
When should surfactant be given?
b.1 For infants intubated immediately after birth, it is recommended that surfactant be given as early treatment (<2 h of age), except if the infant is on room air and minimal ventilatory support on neonatal intensive care unit admission.
How to administer surfactant?
Surfactant has been administered either by disconnecting the infant from the ventilator and applying bagging, or by continuing ventilation during the procedure. Using beractant at a volume of 4 mL/kg, Zola et al (11) conducted a multicentre, randomized control trial comparing three different strategies of surfactant instillation: two doses, removing patient from the ventilator; two doses, continuing ventilation during the procedure; and four doses, removing patient from the ventilator. Ventilation during all three procedures was performed by using pre-treatment pressures: fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) = 1.0; respiratory rate at least 60 breaths/min; and an inspiratory time of 0.5 s. There were no significant differences among the three procedures. A similar study was conducted by Valls-i-Soler et al (12), who compared two methods. The first was bolus delivery (two aliquots) of poractant alfa at a volume of 2.5 mL/kg, with the patient removed from the ventilator and hand-bagged for 1 min with the same FiO2used before the procedure and adjusting the peak inflation pressure (PIP) for adequate chest expansion. The second method was delivery via a side hole, in which a full dose of surfactant was rapidly given in 60 s via a 3.5 Fr catheter introduced through a side hole. Mechanical ventilation was not interrupted, but PIP was increased by 10% for 5 min. Both procedures were equally effective, but a slight significant increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2) at 5 min of dosing was observed in the side-hole group, indicating decreased minute ventilation, likely related to some degree of airway obstruction.
How does viscosity affect surfactant?
Commercial surfactants also differ in surface viscosity. Viscosity is believed to influence the rate, extent and uniformity of distribution of surfactant in the lungs. Preparations with lower surface viscosity are preferred for endotracheal application because it allows a more uniform and rapid distribution of the instilled surfactant with less loss due to coating of the upper airways. The viscosity of surfactant preparations is directly dependent on phospholipid concentration and inversely related to temperature. After 15 min at a temperature of 37°C, viscosity increases exponentially. In fact, after 30 min at this temperature, the viscosity of calfactant and beractant were 20 times higher when compared with values measured at 10 min (17). In an animal experiment, Lewis et al (18) compared beractant and a bovine lipid extract surfactant. A significantly improved distribution was achieved with the bovine lipid extract surfactant, which was demonstrated to have a viscosity eight times lower than beractant.
How does breathing affect surfactant distribution?
Anderson et al (15) investigated the effects of breathing frequency on liquid distribution. At 60 breaths/min, the liquid is first deposited on the airway walls and then transmitted toward the gravity-dependent region of the lung over the ensuing breaths. A more uniform distribution of liquid throughout the lung was obtained. This phase lasted only a few minutes and facilitated the transport of liquid to its target location. After this initial targeted instillation is achieved, normal ventilation using appropriate ventilation rate can be used. The implication for surfactant delivery is that a slow rate of ventilation could result in nonhomogeneous surfactant distribution. This is not the desired outcome because it may inflate parts of the lung receiving surfactant, resulting in lung injury.
How does liquid instillation affect the distribution of surfactant?
Cassidy et al (7) showed that the method of liquid instillation affects how the liquid distributes within the lung. The best method allowed the formation of a liquid plug in the trachea at the beginning of surfactant instillation. The liquid was then driven to the distal parts of the lung by ventilation, resulting in quicker spread in a few breaths and more uniform liquid distribution throughout the lungs. Transit and delivery times depend on plug volume, among other factors. Although the exogenous surfactant takes in the order of minutes to reach the alveoli, the lowering of surface tension at the distal ends occurs very rapidly – within seconds – as the result of the compression of the endogenous surfactant (8).
What is a surfactant for neonates?
A more viscous liquid yields a more homogeneous distribution, and a less viscous plug penetrates more deeply into the distal airways. There are several surfactant preparations available for use in neonates. A natural bovine lipid extract surfactant is used in the majority of Canadian neonatal units. The biochemical composition of each preparation generally reflects the composition of natural surfactant obtained from the alveolar spaces, at least with respect to the high content of phospholipids and the high proportion of disaturated dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). The production procedure should also, in principle, preserve the hydrophobic proteins SP-B and SP-C. Surfactants produced from bronchoalveolar lavage are, in principle, less contaminated with plasmatic and tissue components: bovactant, calfactant, bovine lipid extract surfactant, and a biological product produced from pig lungs in Cuba. Poractant alfa and beractant are examples of surfactant obtained from minced lungs. The resulting proportion of the main surface-active lipid component, DPPC, varies from 70% in beractant, 40% in calfactant, approximately 35% to 56% in poractant alfa, 41% in the bovine lipid extract surfactant and 45% in the biological product produced from pig lungs in Cuba.
How to deliver surfactant into the pulmonary airways?
There are two common modes of delivering surfactant into the pulmonary airways: bolus infusion (one or multiple aliquots); or continuous infusion (2) (Box 1). Surfactant has also been given by nebulization; however, because this method and preparation remain under investigation, it will not be reviewed here.
How long after surfactant instillation should you suction?
Do not suction airways for 1 hour after surfactant instillation unless signs of significant airway obstruction occur
What are the adverse reactions to CUROSURF?
Transient adverse reactions associated with administration of CUROSURF include bradycardia, hypotension, endotracheal tube blockage, and oxygen desaturation. These events require stopping CUROSURF administration and taking appropriate measures to alleviate the condition. After the patient is stable, dosing may proceed with appropriate monitoring.
Can you suction a curosurf tube?
Note: Before administration, assure proper placement and patency of the endotracheal tube. At the discretion of the clinician, the endotracheal tube may be suctioned before administering CUROSURF. The infant should be allowed to stabilize before proceeding with dosing.
Is CUROSURF an exogenous surfactant?
CUROSURF ® (poractant alfa) is intended for intratracheal use only. The administration of exogenous surfactants, including CUROSURF, can rapidly affect oxygenation and lung compliance. Therefore, infants receiving CUROSURF should receive frequent clinical and laboratory assessments so that oxygen and ventilatory support can be modified to respond to respiratory changes.
How many people are needed to administer surfactant?
Surfactant administration is a two-person procedure. It should be performed by at least one medical practitioner or a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) who administers the surfactant and one registered nurse as the assistant.
How to warm a vial of surfactant before administration?
Slowly warm the vial of surfactant to room temperature before administration
What happens if a neonate is not intubated?
a premature neonate on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)), an in-out intubation will be performed to administer the surfactant (INSURE technique – Intubation, Surfactant then Extubation). Refer to the guideline on elective intubation .
How long does it take for ventilator settings to improve?
Marked improvements may occur within minutes of administration. Ventilation settings will need to be continually assessed and adjusted post administration to avoid hyperoxygenation or exposure to excessive peak inspiratory pressures.
What is a surfactant?
Definition of Terms. Surfactant - complex and highly surface active material composed of lipids and proteins which is found in the fluid lining the alveolar surface of the lungs, which serves to reduce alveolar surface tension.
What is the purpose of pulmonary surfactant?
Pulmonary surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and proteins that creates a cohesive surface layer over the alveoli which reduces surface tension and maintains alveolar stability therefore preventing atelectasis.
Does meconium aspiration syndrome improve oxygenation?
Severe meconium aspiration syndrome with severe respiratory failure – may improve oxygenation and reduce the need for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)

Introduction
Aim
- The aim of this guideline is to outline the principles of surfactant replacement therapy and the safe administration of surfactant in neonates in the Butterfly ward - Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
Definition of Terms
- Neonate – infant less than 28 days old
- Surfactant - complex and highly surface active material composed of lipids and proteins which is found in the fluid lining the alveolar surface of the lungs, which serves to reduce alveolar surface...
- RDS – respiratory distress syndrome
- Neonate – infant less than 28 days old
- Surfactant - complex and highly surface active material composed of lipids and proteins which is found in the fluid lining the alveolar surface of the lungs, which serves to reduce alveolar surface...
- RDS – respiratory distress syndrome
- FiO2 - fraction of inspired oxygen
Assessment
- Clinical indications
Surfactant replacement therapy should be considered in: 1. neonates with clinical and radiographic evidence of RDS 2. neonates at risk of developing RDS (e.g. <32 weeks or low birth weight <1300g) 3. neonates who are intubated, regardless of gestation, and requiring FiO2>40% …
Dosing
- The RCH NICU (Butterfly ward) uses poractant alfa (Curosurf) which is a natural porcine surfactant.
- Refer to medication resources for dosing information: Lexicomp, MIMS Online, AMH Children’s Dosing Companion
Management
- Equipment
Prepare equipment/supplies: 1. Continuous cardiovascular monitoring equipment 2. Transcutaneous CO2 monitor (TCM) or end tidal CO2 monitor (etCO2) if appropriate 3. Surfactant 4. Surfactant kit (if available) containing 4Fr 20cm tube, 5mL syringe, needle free device or blunt … - Preparation
1. Surfactant administration is a two-person procedure. It should be performed by at least one medical practitioner or a neonatal nurse practitioner (NNP) who administers the surfactant and one registered nurse as the assistant 2. Record baseline observations: heart rate, respiration rat…
Special Considerations
- Storage and handling: Surfactant is stored in a refrigerator at +2 to +8oC. Surfactant vial should be slowly warmed to room temperature and gently turned upside down in order to obtain a uniform su...
Companion Documents
Links
- Curosurf manufacturer’s information: http://chiesiusa.com/wp-content/uploads/Curosurf_PI.pdf
- Physicians Labeling Rule: Physician'sLabeling Rule_Content (chiesiusa.com)
- Neonatal ehandbook topic “Surfactant replacement therapy” : https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/hospitals-and-health-services/patient-care/perinatal-reprodu…
- Curosurf manufacturer’s information: http://chiesiusa.com/wp-content/uploads/Curosurf_PI.pdf
- Physicians Labeling Rule: Physician'sLabeling Rule_Content (chiesiusa.com)
- Neonatal ehandbook topic “Surfactant replacement therapy” : https://www2.health.vic.gov.au/hospitals-and-health-services/patient-care/perinatal-reproductive/neonatal-ehandbook/procedures/surfactant...
References
- Polin, R. A., & Carlo, W. A. (2014). Surfactant replacement therapy for preterm and term neonates with respiratory distress. Pediatrics, (1), 156.
- Chiesi Farmaceutici, S.p.A.. (2014). Curosurf (poractant alfa) intratracheal suspension, Prescribing Information.
- Stevens, T.P., Blennow, M., Myers, E.H., Soll, R. (2007). Early surfactant administration with br…
- Polin, R. A., & Carlo, W. A. (2014). Surfactant replacement therapy for preterm and term neonates with respiratory distress. Pediatrics, (1), 156.
- Chiesi Farmaceutici, S.p.A.. (2014). Curosurf (poractant alfa) intratracheal suspension, Prescribing Information.
- Stevens, T.P., Blennow, M., Myers, E.H., Soll, R. (2007). Early surfactant administration with brief ventilation vs. selective surfactant and continued mechanical ventilation for preterm infants wi...
- El Shahed AI, Dargaville PA, Ohlsson A, Soll R. Surfactant for meconium aspiration syndrome in term and late preterm infants. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 12. Art. No.: CD002...