Surfactant

Why is this procedure done?

Surfactant is a foamy, fatty substance in your lungs. It makes it easier for the lungs to inflate with air and stay open. It also keeps them from collapsing. Surfactant is a natural fluid that helps your babys lungs work normally. This fluid is most often found in fully developed lungs. Your baby starts to make surfactant while inside the womb. When a baby is born early, the lungs may not have the right amount of surfactant. This means your baby may have trouble breathing at birth. Your baby may be given surfactant after being born. This is done if your baby: ‚

Has a illness called respiratory distress syndrome. This most often happens with babies who are born early.
Is at risk of having breathing problems.
Has other lung problems that cause trouble breathing at birth. These may include lung infections or bleeding of the lungs.

What will the results be?

Surfactants help your baby breathe normally until the lungs start to make surfactants. ‚

What happens before the procedure?

Surfactants are often used very soon after a baby is born.
No special preparation is needed.

What happens during the procedure?

Babies who are born early or who are having problems breathing may need a breathing tube. The doctor may put it in right away after the baby is born. Other times, it is put in a little later. This is based on the babys condition.
The surfactant will go into the baby's breathing tube and then into your baby's lungs.
Your baby's position is changed as the doctor gives the surfactant. The surfactant spreads inside the lungs. Your baby may need more surfactant later.
Your baby may need help breathing. If so, your baby will be connected to a breathing machine.

What happens after the procedure?

Babies who are born early or who have problems breathing need special care. Your baby may need to stay in the hospital for a while. ‚

What care is needed at home?

Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do to care for your child.
Let your baby get lots of sleep. Make sure your baby sleeps on the back.
Learn how to do cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) before your baby goes home. This training will help you know what to do if your baby stops breathing.
Keep your home smoke free. Keep your baby away from secondhand and thirdhand smoking. Anyone in your home who smokes should quit smoking.
Wash your hands before and after you touch or hold your baby. Tell family and friends to wash their hands. Do not let people visit if they are sick or have other illnesses. Avoid crowded and public places.
Make sure you are comfortable with how to hold, feed, and care for your baby. Ask your doctor if you have questions.

What follow-up care is needed?

Your baby may need to have continued care and monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your babys progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚

What problems could happen?

Air leaks out into the spaces around your babys lungs
Bleeding inside the lungs

Where can I learn more?

National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/rds/treatment.html ‚

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚

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