The effect of surfactant replacement therapy on conditions associated with respiratory distress syndrome: patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

In assessing the current experience with SRT, both considering its effects on respiratory function and on associated problems, there are strong suggestions that this therapy has the potential to have a major impact on the morbidity and mortality of premature infants. The studies to date have not disclosed any serious adverse reactions, and there are strong trends toward improvements in short-term respiratory function and in long-term outcomes. In particular, SRT does not seem to adversely effect cardiopulmonary circulatory status and worsen the effects of the patent ductus arteriosus. There are no adverse effects on intraventricular hemorrhage and some possibility that it may lead to a reduction in hemorrhages. The use of SRT will likely have its biggest effect on reducing the incidence and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.