Clinical trials of natural surfactant extract in respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

Since the first use of natural surfactant extract by Fujiwara to treat premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), multiple randomized controlled clinical trials involving more than 2500 infants have been reported. These trials have used prophylactic administration of surfactant to high-risk premature infants (prevention trials) or administration of surfactant to premature infants with moderate to severe RDS (rescue or treatment trials). This article shows meta-analysis of the trial data, significant effects of natural surfactant extracts, and significant clinical benefits.