Characteristics and outcomes of preterm neonates according to number of doses of surfactant received

ObjectivesTo identify characteristics and outcomes of infants who received multiple doses of surfactant vs those who received one dose or none.Study designIn this retrospective study, we included neonates of 22–28 weeks’ gestation admitted to NICUs in the Canadian Neonatal Network. Patients were divided into three groups: no surfactant, single dose, and multiple doses. The primary outcome was a composite of mortality or any of the major morbidities, including severe neurological injury, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or ≥stage 3 retinopathy of prematurity.ResultsOf 8024 eligible neonates, 2461 (31%) did not receive surfactant, 3545 (44%) received one dose, and 2018 (25%) received >1 dose. Receiving one or more doses of surfactant was associated with significantly higher adjusted odds of mortality or major morbidities in a dose-dependent manner.ConclusionsReceiving one or more doses of surfactant was associated with adverse neonatal outcomes. Receipt of more than one dose may reflect underlying severe lung immaturity.