Surfactant use in premature neonates <37 weeks gestation: Experience and outcome at a tertiary care hospital.

OBJECTIVE: To assess a single-centre experience and outcome of premature neonates who received surfactant therapy. METHODS: The prospective cohort study was done at Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad, from December 2005 to May 2007 and comprised premature neonates (< 37 weeks gestation) who had clinical and radiologic evidence of respiratory distress syndrome and had received surfactant therapy. SPSS 21 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A total of 52 premature neonates received surfactant. Mean gestational age was 29±2.8 weeks and mean birth weight was 1273±487gms. Only 16(31%) mothers had received antenatal dexamethasone. Surfactant was used as single dose in 41(78%) neonates at 6.1±6.6hours of life or two doses in 11(22%). Chest X-ray and respiratory distress syndrome category showed an overall improvement in 29 (56%) neonates. Complications were seen in 17(33%) neonates, and 21(40%) died. Mortality was significantly associated with gestation (p< 0.000) and weight (p< 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: Surfactant administration is an option for respiratory distress syndrome in Pakistan.