Effects of a recombinant surfactant protein-C-based surfactant on lung function and the pulmonary surfactant system in a model of meconium aspiration syndrome.

Objective: Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) remains a relevant cause of neonatal respiratory failure and is characterized by severe impairment of pulmonary gas exchange, surfactant inactivation, and pronounced inflammatory changes. Surfactant administration has been shown as an effective treatment strategy in MAS. The present study aimed at investigating the impact of a recombinant surfactant protein (SP)-C-based surfactant on pulmonary gas exchange and lung function in this model of neonatal lung injury.

Synthetic and natural surfactant differentially modulate inflammation after meconium aspiration.

Objective: Meconium aspiration syndrome remains a relevant cause of neonatal respiratory failure and is associated with severe pulmonary changes including surfactant inactivation and pronounced inflammatory changes. The present study investigated the effect of two different surfactant preparations-recombinant surfactant protein C surfactant (rSP-C Surf) and natural bovine surfactant-on pulmonary gas exchange and inflammatory response.

Design And Subjects: Twenty-three newborn piglets were intubated, mechanically ventilated, received 5 ml/kg 20% sterile meconium for induction of lung injury, and were randomized thereafter for controls ( n=7), rSP-C Surf ( n=8), or natural surfactant ( n=8).