Comparing Surfactant Administration Through Supraglottic Airway and Thin Catheter for Preterm Infants

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Jun 17, 2025

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ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at two different ways to give a medicine called surfactant to premature babies who have trouble breathing. Surfactant helps keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs open, making it easier for babies to breathe. The two methods being compared are called LISA, which uses a thin tube to deliver the medicine, and SALSA, which uses a small airway device placed in the baby’s throat. The researchers want to find out which method is safer and works better for babies born at or after 29 weeks of pregnancy.

Babies who might join the study are those born at least 29 weeks early, weigh at least 750 grams (about 1.6 pounds), and need breathing support but not a breathing machine right away. If a baby needs a breathing machine before getting surfactant or has certain serious health problems, they won’t be able to join. If a baby is in the study, doctors will use one of the two methods to give surfactant and carefully watch how the baby does during and after the procedure. The study will look at things like whether the baby’s heart rate or oxygen levels stay stable, how many babies need a breathing machine later, and how long babies need help with breathing overall. This research could help doctors find the best way to support premature babies who have trouble breathing.

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Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All preterm infants born at or greater than 29 weeks' gestational age
• • Infants with birthweight greater than or equal to 750 grams and admitted to the NICU on CPAP for respiratory support and qualify for LISA procedure
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Infants who require intubation prior to surfactant therapy
• • Infants with known severe congenital anomalies (complex congenital heart disease, airway and central nervous system anomalies)
• • Infants whose birth weight is less than 750 grams or oropharynx unable to accommodate laryngeal mask airways