Article Text
Abstract
Background Aerosolization of surfactant(SF) has emerged as feasible alternative to instillation for RDS.
Aim To determinate the effects of aerosolized SF on lung function and evaluate changes in the biochemistry and histology of premature lung.
Methods 21 preterm lambs (85%gestation) were randomly assigned to receive aerosolized SF (Curosurf ®, 200mg/kg-20min), delivered via an inhalation catheter (SF-Aero), bolus-SF (SF-Bolus) or Control groups maintained during 6hours in IMV. Lung mechanics [compliance(Cdyn) and tidal-volume(VT)], antioxidant enzyme (catalase; superoxide-dismutase, SOD; gluthation-peroxidase, GSH-Px) activity, surfactant proteins (SP-B, SP-C) concentration and histological analysis were performed. Mean±SD, ANOVA, p<0.05. *vs.Control, #vs.SF-bolus group.
Results After 60min of treatment, animals in SF-Aero and SF-Bolus groups, significantly improved Cdyn and VT in comparison to control group, being improvement persistent until the end of the experiment.
Conclusion Surfactant delivered as an aerosol produce a similar response in terms of pulmonary mechanics to bolus instillation, and result in less lung damage.