International survey on surfactant administration using Supra-glottic airway device

Background Surfactant administration by endotracheal tube, or less invasive techniques using a catheter through the vocal cords, needs laryngoscopy skills and could be associated with complications. Supraglottic airway devices have been used for surfactant administration.

Methods We conducted this international survey to understand the current practices with use of supraglottic airway device for surfactant administration. This online survey was conducted from September 2023 to June 2024. Questions broadly addressed unit structure, practices around surfactant and the role of supraglottic airway device in their unit [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6].

Results There were total of 75 responses with majority of response from United Kingdom (73%). Most of the responses were from intensive care (55%) and followed by special care units (29%). 53 units reported use of supraglottic airway device only in cases of unsuccessful intubation or prolonged resuscitation. Only 12 units report use of supraglottic airway device for surfactant administration.

Conclusions / Discussion Lack of training, guidelines, and evidence are the most common reasons limiting the use of this device for surfactant administration. 22 units reported that they are likely to use this device in the near future and five of the special care units reported that this technique would be useful for units with limited intubation skills.

Interessenskonflikte

C Roehr ist Co-CI einer internationalen Studie (SURFSUP) zu Surfactantgabe via Larynxmaske.

• Literatur

• 1 Moretti C, Gizzi C, Gagliardi L, Petrillo F, Ventura ML, Trevisanuto D. et al. A Survey of the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies on Neonatal Respiratory Care in Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Children (Basel). 2024 11. 02
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• 3 Barrington K.. Premedication for endotracheal intubation in the newborn infant. Paediatr Child Health 2011; 16 3 159-71
• 4 Foglia EE, Ades A, Sawyer T, Glass KM, Singh N, Jung P. et al. Neonatal Intubation Practice and Outcomes: An International Registry Study. Pediatrics. 2019 143. 01
• 5 Abdel-Latif ME, Walker E, Osborn DA.. Laryngeal mask airway surfactant administration for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2024; 1: Cd008309
• 6 Surfactant Administration by Supraglottic Airway for Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: The SURFSUP 1 Trial (ACTRN12620001184965). 2020

Publication History

Article published online:
19 May 2025