Surfactant substitution in the newborn by application of artificial surfactant.

A protein-free artificial surfactant (ALEC) composed of two phospholipids when given as a prophylactic treatment at birth to very premature babies in randomized controlled trials. It was shown to reduce the severity of RDS, the ventilator pressure, the inspired oxygen requirements, the compliance of the respiratory system, the neonatal mortality and the incidence of ventricular hemorrhage. There are no apparent side effects from this treatment.