Abstract
While treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) with surfactant in premature
neonates is well established, evidence for its use in non-RDS conditions, especially
in the term neonate, has been less abundant. The last published review on a PubMed
search was in 2001. In this review, we comprehensively and critically evaluated the
evidence from the literature regarding the use of surfactant in specific non-RDS disorders
in neonates. Surfactant administered as a bolus should be considered in the treatment
of meconium aspiration syndrome with progressive respiratory failure. While controversial
in congenital diaphragmatic hernia, it should be considered in Group B streptococcal
pneumonia. As evidence evolves, we anticipate the broader application and more routine
use of surfactant therapy for respiratory failure because of causes other than RDS.
Keywords
non-RDS - neonate - surfactant - lung injury - meconium aspiration syndrome - pulmonary
hemorrhage - congenital diaphragmatic hernia - pneumonia - aspiration