Effects of surfactant therapy on the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia in neonatal intensive care unit
Keywords:
Surfactant replacement therapy, Respiratory distress syndrome, NICU, Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP)Abstract
Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a significant complication in neonates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation, leading to increased morbidity and mortality. Surfactant therapy is commonly used to manage respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in neonates, but its impact on VAP incidence remains unclear.
Objective: To evaluate whether surfactant administration results in a reduced incidence of VAP in neonates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation.
Methods: A retrospective study was conducted at Phichit Hospital, including neonates who had been on invasive mechanical ventilator in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between September 1, 2012 and September 30, 2021. Infants were divided into two groups: Those who received surfactant therapy and those who did not. Data on demographics, clinical characteristics, and outcomes were collected and analyzed.
Results: A total of 132 neonates were enrolled in this study, with 66 allocated to each group. The surfactant group had a significantly lower incidence of VAP (27.3%) compared to the non-surfactant group (54.6%) (p value 0.002). Additionally, the surfactant group had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (6 days vs. 8 days, p value 0.023). There was no significant difference in the duration of NICU stay or mortality rates between the two groups.
Conclusion: Surfactant therapy was associated with a reduced incidence of VAP in neonates requiring invasive mechanical ventilation. These findings suggested that surfactant therapy might have additional benefits beyond treating RDS, potentially reducing the risk of VAP in this vulnerable population.
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