Can surfactant be given to adults?
Surfactant deficiency in adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome has long been recognized. Although clinical trials of surfactant therapy in adults have not achieved the level of success seen in neonates, multiple recent trials have suggested that success is possible.
What is the role of surfactant in respiratory distress syndrome?
Insufficient surfactant leads to reduced pulmonary compliance and increased surface tension [2,3]. This results in increased risk of alveoli collapse at expiration followed by reduction in total surface area for gaseous exchange, as well as the alveolar-capillary diffusion capacity.
Do adults have surfactant in their lungs?
More than 30 years after its first biochemical characterization, knowledge of the composition and functions of the surfactant complex has grown considerably. Its classically known role is to decrease surface tension in alveolar air spaces to a degree that facilitates adequate ventilation of the peripheral lung.
How is respiratory distress syndrome treated?
Treatments for RDS include surfactant replacement therapy, breathing support from a ventilator or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) machine, or other supportive treatments. Most newborns who show signs of RDS are quickly moved to a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Is surfactant a medicine?
Pulmonary surfactant is used as a medication to treat and prevent respiratory distress syndrome in newborn babies. Prevention is generally done in babies born at a gestational age of less than 32 weeks. It is given by the endotracheal tube. Onset of effects is rapid.
What is the role of surfactant in the lungs quizlet?
Surfactant reduces surface tension throughout the lung. It is also important because it stabilizes the alveoli. That is, at a constant surface tension, small alveoli will generate bigger pressures within them than will large alveoli.
How do you give surfactant?
Methods to deliver surfactant The surfactant is administered via a thin catheter into the trachea in small aliquots, while the baby is spontaneously breathing on CPAP support. In infants 29-32 weeks gestation, LISA may reduce the occurrence of pneumothorax and need for mechanical ventilation.
What happens if there is not enough surfactant in the lungs?
Without normal surfactant, the tissue surrounding the air sacs in the lungs (the alveoli) sticks together (because of a force called surface tension) after exhalation, causing the alveoli to collapse.
What decreases the production of surfactant?
Type II epithelial cell injury leads to a decrease in surfactant production, with resultant alveolar collapse.