Response to Aerosolized Calfactant in Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome; a Post-Hoc Analysis of AERO-02 Trial

Background The aerosolized calfactant decreased the need for intubation in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (AERO-02 trial). Objective To determine the oxygenation response to aerosolized calfactant among infants born 28 0/7–36 6/7 weeks with RDS in the AERO-02 trial. Methods Trends in hourly fraction of oxygen (FiO 2 ), mean airway pressure (MAP) and respiratory severity score (RSS) were compared between the aerosolized calfactant (AC) and usual care (UC) groups from time of randomization for 72 h. Results A total of 353 subjects were included in the study. FiO 2 , MAP, and RSS were lower in the UC group. FiO 2 decrease was seen after the first aerosolized calfactant dose. Conclusion FiO 2 , MAP, and RSS were lower in the UC group. This is likely due to early and higher rate of liquid surfactant administration in the UC group. Decrease in FiO 2 was noted in the AC group after the first aerosolization.