Incidence of respiratory distress syndrome complications and mortality in preterm newborns after given surfactant [Article in Bosnian]

Abstract

Objective - The aim of the study was to investigate the effectiveness of surfactant therapy usage for preterm newborns on the frequency, type and the time of occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) complications and mortality.

Patients and methods - Over a four year period all newborns of gestational age 24 to 34 weeks and diagnosed with RDS, were reviewed retrospectively, that is 130 preterm newborns with therapy and they constituted the research group. The control group included preterm 147 newborns with the same characteristics, who were not given surfactant.

Results - Complications of RDS are divided into complications of the respiratory system, central nervous system (CNS) and sepsis. 64/130 (49.2%) were diagnosed with CNS complications, there were less respiratory system complications 40/130 (30.8%), and 26/130 (20%) preterm newborns with sepsis. In the first 3 days CNS complications occurred in 12/64 (18.7%) newborns, but they mostly occurred from the 4th to 7th day of life (50%). Respiratory system complication in the first 3 days was found in 22.5% newborns, but in the control group the number was higher (43.2%). Complications of the respiratory system were mostly from 4 to 7 days (50%), and in the control group 29.5%. Sepsis was diagnosed mostly after the 8th day, in 16/26 (61.5%) newborns, and in the control group the number was lower 6/18 (33.3%). The preterm newborns who were given surfactant had a higher chance of survival in comparison to preterm newborns who were not given surfactant (χ² test = 2.77; P =0.095).

Conclusion - The usage of surfactants in any form reduces the incidence of RDS, the frequency of complications, the time of occurrence of the complication of CNS and respiratory system.