One-year outcome in 232 premature infants with birth weights of 750 to 1249 grams and respiratory distress syndrome randomized to rescue treatment with two doses of synthetic surfactant or air placebo

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in 13 hospitals in Canada to assess whether two rescue doses of a synthetic surfactant (Exosurf Neonatal) would reduce mortality and morbidity rates in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome who weighed from 750 to 1249 gm. As part of the original trial design, double-blind follow-up evaluations were performed at 1-year adjusted age. A total of 118 patients who received air …