Surfactant

The natural version of the surfactant is obtained from pig lungs. In contrast, drugs, such as Proaktant alfa, contain a surfactant from pork lung, but fortified with phospholipids and hydrophobic proteins.

Surfactant – what is its effect?

The surfactant supplied in supplementation affects the functioning of the human lungs, similar to the one naturally produced by it. As a result, it reduces the surface tension of the alveoli, preventing them from collapsing. The use of a surfactant promotes lung decomposition and easier breathing. It enables proper gas exchange in the lungs while breathing.

Surfactant – an indication of when to use it?

The surfactant is essential in the treatment of acute respiratory disorders in premature babies. It is also used prophylactically in premature babies in the fetal age – 26–28 weeks.

Surfactant – contraindications, when not to give?

It is not advisable to use the surfactant in the case of a very unstable patient and such ailments as: acidosis, hypertension, anemia, hypoglycaemia, hypothermia. The surfactant is also used in newborns who are at risk of lung underdevelopment. However, be careful in this case.

In the event of an overdose of surfactant, the residual suspension must be sucked off.

The interactions of the surfactant with other drugs are unknown.

Surfactant and side effects

The side effects of administering a surfactant include: clogging of the incubation tube with mucus, pressure drop, weakening of the brain’s electrical activity. In such cases, treatment is temporarily interrupted and resumed once the situation has stabilized. Sometimes the side effects of the surfactant are also allergic to pork protein.

Dosage – how much should the surfactant be administered?

The surfactant is administered in 1 dose into the trachea or in 2 equal doses into the bronchi. Doses are in the range of 100-200 mg / kg. In children, they amount to 100 mg / kg bw and are administered for 12 hours. The maximum total dose is 300–400 mg / kg. The doctor decides about the doses and application of the surfactant.

The appropriate dose of surfactant should be withdrawn with a thin needle from the vial, and administered to the patient intratracheally or intrabronchially. The surfactant may be taken only by a patient in a stable state, after X-ray examinations and aspirated pulmonary secretions.

In newborns, the surfactant is distributed using a self-compressing bag with connected oxygen for approx. 1 minute. Occasionally, when administering a surfactant, there is a sudden increase in tidal volume and blood oxygen. One hour after administration of surfactant, blood gas monitoring should be performed.

Surfactant – additional comments

The surfactant should be stored at 2–8 degrees Celsius. After opening and used, it must not be put back in the refrigerator.

Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health.