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Surfactant therapy in respiratory distress syndrome: The effect of a learning curve in improving outcome

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Abstract

A retrospective study of all premature neonates who received artificial surfactant (Curosurf) at the Rotunda Hospital was performed. The period from October 1990 to June 1992 (n=48) was compared with the initial experience from June 1987 to January 1988 (n=15). In the initial period mortality rate was 67% in surfactant treated infants, and use of surfactant was not associated with an improvement in outcome compared with the previous six years. In the more recent period overall mortality was 21%. Overall survival in normally formed very low birthweight infants improved from 59% in 1986 to 86% in 1991–1992. Improvement in survival rates was most noticeable in infants with birthweight 750–999 grams, with survival increasing from 44% (before introduction of surfactant treatment) to 91% (in1991–1992).

It is probable that a certain level of experience with use of surfactant is required before optimal effects can be obtained.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Paediatrics, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland

    S. M. Gormally, T. A. Clarke, A. Krishnan, M. Ali & T. G. Matthews

  2. Department of Paediatrics, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin 1, Ireland

    T. A. Clarke

Authors
  1. S. M. Gormally
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  2. T. A. Clarke
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  3. A. Krishnan
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  4. M. Ali
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  5. T. G. Matthews
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Gormally, S.M., Clarke, T.A., Krishnan, A. et al. Surfactant therapy in respiratory distress syndrome: The effect of a learning curve in improving outcome. I.J.M.S. 162, 458–461 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02942189

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02942189

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