[For or against the early use of nasal continuous positive pressure and exogenous surfactant in hyaline membrane disease. Physiopathologic arguments]

Abstract

The use of nasal CPAP in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in very premature newborns follows pathophysiological basis. The authors emphasize the usefulness of nasal CPAP and surfactant in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome. The aim of this strategy is to reduce alveolar atelectasis, thus reducing the incidence and the severity of respiratory distress syndrome, together with a possible reduction of the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.