Predictors of successful treatment of respiratory distress with aerosolized calfactant.

INTRODUCTION: Predictors for successful aerosolized surfactant treatment are not well defined.

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors for successful treatment in the AERO-02 trial and the AERO-03 expanded access program.

METHODS: Neonates receiving nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) at the time of first aerosolized calfactant administration were included in this analysis. Associations between demographic and clinical predictors to need for intubation were examined using univariate testing and multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty infants were included in the study. Overall, 24% required rescue by intubation. Multivariate modeling revealed that the predictors of successful treatment were a gestational age ≥31 weeks, a respiratory severity score (RSS) of <1.9, and <2 previous aerosol treatments.

CONCLUSION: Gestational age, number of aerosols, and RSS are predictive of successful treatment. These criteria will help select patients most likely to benefit from aerosolized surfactant.