Serial lecithin/sphingomyelin ratios and surfactant/albumin ratios in tracheal aspirates from term infants with respiratory failure receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Serial tracheal aspirate samples were obtained for determination of lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios from 47 term infants in respiratory failure. Phospholipids were extracted with Folch solution (chloroform:methanol, 2:1 by vol) and analyzed by HPLC with use of silica column and a mobile phase of acetonitrile:methanol:water (48:31:21, by vol). Surfactant/albumin (S/A) ratios were determined with the TDx Fetal Lung Maturity Assay (Abbott Labs). L/S ratios increased significantly over time in all patients (F = 19.42, P < 0.0001). The S/A ratio correlated with the L/S ratio (r = 0.554, P < 0.001). This study suggests that postnatal surfactant deficiency in term newborns with respiratory failure is a component of the newborn's lung injury.
Lotze
A
A
Department of Neonatology, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
Stroud
C Y
CY
Soldin
S J
SJ
D000418:Albumins / Q000032:analysis*; D002851:Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015199:Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008170:Lung Compliance; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000032:analysis*; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000378:metabolism*; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis*; D014132:Trachea / Q000378:metabolism*
D000418:Albumins; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D013109:Sphingomyelins