New Synthetic Surfactants for Neonates.

Kim,  Young Don

doi:2012.19.4.184

Neonatal Med > Volume 19(4); 2012 > Article

Review

Journal of the Korean Society of Neonatology 2012;19(4):184-194.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5385/jksn.2012.19.4.184 Published online December 25, 2012.

New Synthetic Surfactants for Neonates.

Young Don Kim

Department of Pediatrics, Jeju National University School of Medicine, Jeju, Korea. cardios@hanmail.net

Abstract

The benefits of exogenous synthetic or animal-derived natural surfactants for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are well established. Although synthetic surfactants have potential safety advantages over animal-derived products, they seem to be clinically inferior to animal-derived natural surfactant, based on the results of numerous comparative trials. In recent years, however, synthetic surfactant has experienced a surge in breakthroughs to the point of rivaling natural surfactant, mainly due to the development of protein-containing synthetic surfactant. This article will review the historical background on the development of artificial pulmonary surfactant, compositional and physicochemical aspects on pulmonary surfactant lipids and proteins, results of comparative trials among natural, protein-free and protein-containing surfactants, and current status of development of protein-containing surfactants for treatment of RDS.

Key Words: Respiratory distress syndrome; Hyaline membrane disease; Surfactant; Premature infant; Surface tension; Surfactantassociated protein