Objective: This study aimed to compare the lung ultrasonography (LUS) scores after two different natural surfactant administration as a parameter reflecting lung inflation.
Study design: Preterm infants of 32 gestational weeks and below who were diagnosed with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were randomly assigned to be administered either poractant alfa or beractant, prospectively. Serial LUS scans were obtained by an experienced neonatologist in a standardized manner before and after (2 and 6 hours) surfactant administration. The LUS scans were evaluated by protocols based on scores and lung profiles.
Results: Thirty-seven infants received poractant alfa and 36 received beractant. The baseline characteristics and presurfactant LUS scores were similar in groups. The scores were significantly decreased after surfactant administration in both groups (2 hours, p = < 0.001; 6 hours, p = < 0.001). LUS scores in poractant group were significantly lower than beractant group when compared at each time point. At the end of 6 hours, the number of infants with the normal profile was significantly higher in the poractant group (∼65%) than the beractant group (22%).
Conclusion: LUS is beneficial for evaluating lung aeration after surfactant treatment in preterm infants with RDS. A better lung aeration can be achieved in the early period with the use of poractant alfa.
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