title: Surfactant protein A in the course of respiratory distress syndrome.
abstract: Surfactant-associated protein (SP-A) was measured in tracheal aspirates of ventilated infants with (n = 51) and without (n = 21) respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). SP-A concentrations in samples collected after birth were significantly lower in RDS than in infants ventilated for other reasons than RDS (median 0.03 vs. 1.60 micrograms/ml). As a biochemical test to diagnose RDS early after birth, the sensitivity of measuring SP-A in tracheal aspirates was 87% and specificity 81%. SP-A content in tracheal aspirates of infants with RDS was monitored during the first 7 days of life. A significant (P less than 0.001) increase within the first 4 days was found in those infants who survived, whereas no such change was found in those infants who died.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology, University Children's Hospital, Free University Berlin, Federal Republic of Germany.
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Schadow
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bartholain
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Segerer
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Obladen
mesh_terms: D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008297:Male; D011510:Proteolipids / Q000032:analysis*; D037662:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A; D037661:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000032:analysis*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000378:metabolism; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D011510:Proteolipids; D037662:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Protein A; D037661:Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants