biostudies-literatureUnknown114(10)Heiring C<h4>Aim</h4>To validate a prototype point-of-care (POC) test for the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio by identifying the optimal L/S cut-off for predicting surfactant need in preterm infants < 30 weeks' gestation using gastric aspirates (GAS) sampled at birth and to assess clinical feasibility.<h4>Methods</h4>GAS was sampled within 45 min of birth and analysed using the only available prototype POC L/S test. The primary outcome was the optimal L/S cut-off and diagnostic accuracy in predicting rescue surfactant treatment per European RDS guidelines, assessed by receiver operating characteristics. L/S results were blinded to clinicians. Due to a dispute between clinical investigators and patent holders, legal restrictions prohibit reporting of the primary outcome.<h4>Results</h4>Of 93 eligActa paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992)2535-2542https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12420868biostudies-literaturePredicting Surfactant Need at Birth: Failed Validation of a Bedside Method Using Gastric Aspirates.PMC12420868Agergaard PEckardt MCZachariassen GAunsholt LBrink Henriksen TBreindahl NViuff ACHeiring CBender LPoorisrisak PfalsePredicting Surfactant Need at Birth: Failed Validation of a Bedside Method Using Gastric Aspirates.<h4>Aim</h4>To validate a prototype point-of-care (POC) test for the lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratio by identifying the optimal L/S cut-off for predicting surfactant need in preterm infants < 30 weeks' gestation using gastric aspirates (GAS) sampled at birth and to assess clinical feasibility.<h4>Methods</h4>GAS was sampled within 45 min of birth and analysed using the only available prototype POC L/S test. The primary outcome was the optimal L/S cut-off and diagnostic accuracy in predicting rescue surfactant treatment per European RDS guidelines, assessed by receiver operating characteristics. L/S results were blinded to clinicians. Due to a dispute between clinical investigators and patent holders, legal restrictions prohibit reporting of the primary outcome.<h4>Results</h4>Of 93 elig2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Oct2026-06-03T05:45:51.163Z2026-04-25T03:14:40.163ZS-EPMC124208684034699810.1111/apa.70128