Prophylactic Use of Surfactant in Late Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Late preterm infants (34 to 36 weeks' gestation) are at increased risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to their immature lungs. Surfactant replacement therapy is a well-established treatment for RDS in preterm infants. However, the use of prophylactic surfactant therapy in late preterm infants with respiratory distress remains controversial. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic surfactant therapy in reducing the incidence and severity of RDS in late preterm infants with respiratory distress.