surfactant therapy
Medical treatment involving administration of artificial or natural surfactant to premature infants with respiratory distress.
Full Definition
Surfactant therapy involves the intratracheal administration of exogenous surfactant to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants whose lungs have not yet produced adequate natural surfactant. Surfactant is a phospholipid-protein complex that reduces surface tension in alveoli, preventing lung collapse during expiration. The therapy can be administered as prophylaxis immediately after birth in very premature infants or as rescue treatment when respiratory distress syndrome develops. Modern surfactant preparations are derived from animal lungs or produced synthetically, and administration techniques have evolved to minimize lung injury.
Usage
Usage note: Specify preparation type (bovine, porcine, synthetic) and timing (prophylactic vs. rescue) in documentation.
In Context
- "Prophylactic surfactant therapy was administered immediately after intubation in the delivery room." — neonatal resuscitation note
- "The infant showed marked improvement in oxygenation following surfactant therapy administration." — progress note