Survanta

Survanta is a brand name for beractant, a natural bovine-derived pulmonary surfactant used to prevent and treat respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in preterm infants. It is a surfactant replacement therapy designed to improve lung compliance and oxygenation by reducing surface tension in the alveoli.

The product consists of a phospholipid-rich extract from bovine lung, containing surfactant proteins B and C and multiple phospholipids, including dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine. When instilled into the lungs, it helps stabilize alveoli that would otherwise collapse during exhalation, aiding ventilation and gas exchange.

Administration typically follows endotracheal intubation. Survanta is given as a sterile suspension in multiple intratracheal aliquots through a catheter or syringe, with the infant maintaining appropriate airway support. The initial dose is generally 4 mL/kg, with a possible second dose of 2 mL/kg administered within 12 to 24 hours if ongoing oxygenation requirements persist.

Indications include prophylaxis of RDS in at-risk preterm infants as well as treatment of established RDS in those requiring respiratory support. It may be used in conjunction with mechanical ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).

Adverse effects can include transient apnea or bradycardia during administration, desaturation, pulmonary hemorrhage, airway obstruction from edematous airways or surfactant sediment, hypotension, and, rarely, infection. Proper handling and timing of doses are important to minimize complications.

Survanta is approved for neonatal use to reduce the incidence and severity of RDS and is one of several natural surfactants used in neonatal intensive care.