Aerosolized surfactant in adults with sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome

Article Abstract:

Artificial lung surfactant may not improve the survival rates of people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS can be a complication of sepsis, which is a serious bacterial infection of the blood. Researchers used a nebulizer to administer a synthetic lung surfactant called Exosurf to 268 patients hospitalized with ARDS. A control group of 257 people with ARDS received a placebo. All participants were treated for five days. At 30 days, there was no difference in mortality rates, use of oxygen therapy, number of days in the intensive care unit and the amount of ventilation required between the two groups. Exosurf also did not improve oxygenation or peak airway pressure. There were also no differences in outcome among subgroups such as those with severe ARDS or those who had ARDS for longer periods of time. It is possible that the lungs received an insufficient dose of the surfactant.

Care and treatment

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Effects of aerosolized surfactant in patients with stable chronic bronchitis: a prospective randomized controlled trial

Article Abstract:

Aerosolized lung surfactant appears to be beneficial in patients with chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis is characterized partly by increased mucus production and the inability to clear it. Lung surfactant can help clear mucus and reduce airway inflammation. Of 87 patients with bronchitis, 66 inhaled an artificial surfactant called Exosurf through a nebulizer 3 times a day for 14 days and 21 inhaled a saline placebo. Surfactant increased lung function 11% as measured by forced expiratory volume in one second. It also increased mucus clearance by cilia in the respiratory tract.

Drug therapy, Bronchitis, Mucociliary system

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The relation of pneumothorax and other air leaks to mortality in the acute respiratory distress syndrome

Article Abstract:

Mechanical ventilation at high volumes and pressures does not appear to cause air leaks or increased mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Air leaks occur when air is present inside the chest but outside the lungs. Researchers compared the incidence of air leaks and mortality rates in 725 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome who were on a ventilator. There was no difference in ventilatory volumes or pressures in patients with and without air leaks. The mortality rate was not significantly higher in patients with air leaks.

Health aspects, Patient outcomes, Mortality, Artificial respiration, Mechanical ventilation, Pneumothorax

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