Is surfactant a promising additive drug in ALI/ARDS-patients?
The rationale for surfactant replacement therapy in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is to restore the normal composition of the surfactant system, as well as to overcome ongoing inactivation of present surfactant. Indeed, surfactant replacement therapy can normalize the composition of the surfactant system and restore its surface activity, which results in restoration of the gas exchange. Several phase II- and phase III-studies have been performed to investigate safety and efficacy of surfactant replacement therapy in patients with ARDS. In this manuscript we will discuss the differences in the composition of exogenous surfactant, the diverse modes of delivery of surfactant, and timing of therapy, in relation to the efficacy of surfactant instillation in several published and yet unpublished studies.
Schultz
Marcus J
MJ
Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. m.j.schultz@compaqnet.nl
Kesecioglu
Jozef
J
D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007322:Instillation, Drug; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants