"TO ASSESS THE NEED OF SURFACTANT IN PRETERM NEONATES WHOSE MOTHERS HAD RECEIVED ANTENATAL STEROIDS”

Abstract

Introduction: Surfactant therapy has revolutionized the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm neonates, significantly improving outcomes for this vulnerable population. When assessing the need for surfactant in preterm infants, especially those whose mothers received antenatal steroids, it is crucial to understand the interplay between these two interventions. Antenatal corticosteroids are known to enhance fetal lung maturation and reduce the incidence and severity of RDS. However, despite this benefit, some preterm infants still develop RDS, potentially necessitating surfactant administration. This article explores the factors influencing surfactant requirements in preterm neonates whose mothers have undergone antenatal steroid therapy, aiming to clarify the role of surfactant in this context and optimise neonatal care strategies.