Exosurf Neonatal and Survanta for Treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

The NICHD Neonatal Research Network conducted a randomized trial at 11 centers comparing the
efficacy of two surfactants -- Exosurf Neonatal (Burroughs Wellcome Co.) and Survanta (Ross
Laboratories) -- for the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Newborn infants
with birth weights of 501-1500g with respiratory distress syndrome who were receiving
assisted ventilation with 30% oxygen or more within 6 hours of birth were enrolled between
January 1991 and January 1992. Infants were randomly assigned to receive up to four
intratracheal doses of either Exosurf Neonatal or Survanta.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Newborn infants weighing 501 to 1500 gm with respiratory distress syndrome were
receiving assisted ventilation with 30% oxygen or more

Exclusion Criteria:

- Less than 6 hours of age