Evolution of Pulmonary Surfactants for the Treatment of Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome and Paediatric Lung Diseases

Unlabelled: This review documents the evolution of surfactant therapy, beginning with observations of surfactant deficiency in respiratory distress syndrome, the basis of exogenous surfactant treatment and the development of surfactant-containing novel peptides patterned after SP-B. We critically analyse the molecular interactions of surfactant proteins and phospholipids contributing to surfactant function.

Conclusion: Peptide-containing surfactant provides clinical efficacy in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome and offers promise for treating other lung diseases in infancy.