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Evidence summaries

Synthetic Surfactant Versus Animal Derived Surfactant for Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Protein containing synthetic surfactants and animal derived surfactant extracts have similar positive effects in reducing mortality and chronic lung disease in preterm infants. Level of evidence: "A"

A Cochrane review [Abstract] 1 included 2 studies with a total of 1 037 subjects. Infants who received protein containing synthetic surfactant compared to animal derived surfactant extract did not demonstrate significantly different risks of mortality at 36 weeks (typical RR 0.81, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.03), chronic lung disease at 36 weeks (typical RR 0.99, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.18), or the combined outcome of mortality or chronic lung disease at 36 weeks (typical RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.12). A decrease in the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis was noted in infants who received protein containing synthetic surfactants (typical RR 0.60, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.86) but there was moderate heterogeneity between the studies.

    References

    • Pfister RH, Soll RF, Wiswell T. Protein containing synthetic surfactant versus animal derived surfactant extract for the prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(4):CD006069.

Primary/Secondary Keywords