MICROAEROSOL ADMINISTRATION OF SYNTHETIC BETA-GAMMA-DIPALMITOYL-L-ALPHA-LECITHIN IN THE RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDOME: A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

Abstract

Synthetic L-alpha-lecithin was administered by inhalation to 11 infants suffering from respiratory distress. The L-alpha-lecithin was delivered by microaerosolization, at a concentration of 0.25% in a mixture of equal volumes of propylene glycol and water. This was done with the aim of decreasing the alveolar surface tension. In eight of the treated infants who survived, the respiratory distress was alleviated. The results are inconclusive but they justify further investigation.