UK survey of less invasive surfactant administration

Abstract

Increasing use of non-invasive ventilation has led to the development of techniques which deliver surfactant without resort to intubation. These are called less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) or minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST). A systematic review of six randomised controlled trials demonstrated LISA use in infants with respiratory distress syndrome was associated with a reduced incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and death at 36 weeks and need for mechanical ventilation1; the latter was also reported in a further systematic review.2 A survey of LISA use across Europe demonstrated variation in practice.3 Only 12 UK units, however, were included hence we determined current practice regarding LISA in all levels of UK neonatal units. An online questionnaire was sent to all …