Surfactant maturation is not delayed in human fetuses with diaphragmatic hernia.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Pulmonary hypoplasia and persistent pulmonary hypertension account for significant mortality and morbidity in neonates with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). Global lung immaturity and studies in animal models suggest the presence of surfactant deficiency that may further complicate the pathophysiology of CDH. However, data about surfactant status in human fetuses with CDH at birth are contradictory. The lack of a chronological study of surfactant content in late pregnancy has been a significant limitation. The appropriateness of administering surfactant supplements to neonates with CDH is therefore a debated question.

Methods and findings

We investigated surfactant content in human fetuses with CDH compared to age-matched fetuses with nonpulmonary diseases u

SUBMITTER: Boucherat O 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1950205 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature