Exogenous surfactant application in respiratory failure due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Recent results of basic research on regulation of surfactant secretion and surfactant physiology not only in the alveolus but also in peripheral small airways allow the conclusion that disorders in surfactant homeostasis may contribute to the pathophysiology of airway obstruction and hyperinflation. We therefore hypothesized that patients with respiratory failure due to obstructive lung disease may benefit from exogenous surfactant. Here we report a case that indicates the clinical situation to be considered for treatment with exogenous surfactant. The benefit for the patient was successful weaning from the ventilator. Improvements in effective compliance, resistance and blood gas parameters were observed following surfactant application.
Wirtz
H
H
Department of Medicine, University of Würzburg, Germany.
Habscheid
W
W
Ertl
G
G
Schmidt
M
M
Kochsiek
K
K
D000368:Aged; D001688:Biological Products; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008173:Lung Diseases, Obstructive / Q000150:complications* / Q000473:pathology; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012119:Respiration / Q000187:drug effects; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D013997:Time Factors
D001688:Biological Products; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; C072197:beractant