Surfactant Therapy

Indications for Surfactant theray

RDS in pre-term baby

Meconium aspiration syndrome and pulmonary haemorrhage (Seek consultant’s advice)

Timing of administration for SDLD

Early administration is more effective

Initial dose should be given within first 24 hours

Rescue if CPAP not adequate

RDS requiring intubation

Requirements for procedure

Surfactant (Survanta – 4ml/kg [100mg/kg])

Sterile gloves

5FG feeding tube – cut to required length with sterile blade

Experienced medical officer to administer and assistant

Procedure

Warm to room temperature

Do not shake

Calculate the dose

Ensure correct ETT position

Invert the bottle 2-3 times (without shaking to mix)

Draw up the required volume

Give it 1-2 aliquots depending on the volume

Take 20-30 minutes for the procedure and give manual breaths for a brief period

Reduce FiO₂ as required during and soon after the procedure

Do not suck the ETT for 4-6 hours

Capillary blood gas after 1 hour and adjust the setting

Assess oxygen requirement after 6-8 hours of therapy – if >30% a repeat dose is indicated stat