Survey shows large differences between the Nordic countries in the use of less invasive surfactant administration

• Published in: Acta Paediatrica
• Main Authors: Heiring, Christian, Jonsson, Baldvin, Andersson, Sture, Björklund, Lars J.
• Other Authors: Chiesi Pharma AB
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Wiley 2017
• Subjects: Greenland; Iceland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/apa.13694; https://api.wiley.com/onlinelibrary/tdm/v1/articles/10.1111%2Fapa.13694; https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/apa.13694

Abstract Aim Less invasive surfactant administration ( LISA ), namely surfactant instillation through a thin catheter in the trachea during spontaneous breathing, is increasingly used for premature infants. We surveyed the use of this technique in the Nordic countries in autumn 2015. Methods A link to a web‐based survey of surfactant administration methods was emailed to the directors of all neonatal units in the Nordic Region, apart from Finland, where only the five university‐based departments were invited. Results Of the 73 units (85%) who responded, 23 (32%) said that they used LISA . The country rates were Iceland 100%, Norway 82%, Finland 60%, Denmark, including Faroe Island and Greenland, 11% and Sweden 9%. LISA was used in 62% of level three units, but only 14% of level two units and most commonly in babies with a gestational age of at least 26 weeks. Premedication was always or sometimes used by 78%. The main reasons for not using LISA were lack of familiarity with the technique (61%), no perceived benefit over other methods (22%) and concerns about patient discomfort (26%). Conclusion Less invasive surfactant administration was used in 32% of Nordic neonatal units, most commonly in level three units. Premedication was used more often than previously reported.