Radiological Assessment of Post Surfactant Changes in Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Seventy three preterm neonates with clinical and radiological evidence of typical RDS having median gestational age 30 weeks and median birth weight 1240 g were studied to evaluate the radiological changes after therapeutic use of surfactant and the value of ultrasound in its screening. The chest radiographs were taken before and 72 hours post surfactant treatment with surfactant application ranging from 1 h to 18 h after birth.72 % cases revealed uniform or asymmetrical extension of pulmonary aeration. Asymmetrical improvement (29 %) was seen on the left side right side and usually disappeared within two to five days.5 neonates (13.5 %) showed no change, of which 2 succumbed to death.