Nasal continuous positive airway pressure versus pulmonary surfactant in prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

Objective To compare the efficacy of nasal continuous positive airway pressure(nCPAP) and pulmonary surfactant(PS) in prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS).Methods Fifty eight high risk neonates were randomly assigned to two groups:within 2 h after birth 30 neonates received prophylactic application of nCPAP(nCPAP group),28 neonates received prophylactic application of pulmonary surfactant(PS group).Results There was no significant difference in death rate and incidence of NRDS between two groups.No significant difference was found in time duration of mechanical ventilation and total time of oxygen intake between two groups.The incidence of pneumothorax in nCPAP group was higher than that in PS group;there was no significant difference in other complications between two groups.Conclusion Early application of nCPAP is an alternative choice for preventing NRDS in high risk neonates,but caution should be taken for possible occurrence of pneumothorax caused by nCPAP.