Consequences of asphyxia in surfactant deficiency

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Abstract
Consequences of asphyxia in babies with surfactant deficiency are discussed. Several important points concerning transition from intra- to extrauterine life are underlined. In asphyxia large amounts of hypoxanthine are formed and in the postasphyxic period when high concentrations of oxygen are given large amounts of oxygen radicals are produced. Experimentally we have shown that such radicals produce lung engorgement, hemorrhage and edema. Further they inactivate surfactant. Oxygen radicals also reduce the lung compliance dramatically in animal experiments. Saline alone given intratracheally to animals ventilated artificially will also reduce lung compliance. It is therefore not recommended to give saline intratracheally as a placebo in surfactant trials.