TRACHEAL TDX FETAL LUNG MATURITY PEST FOR ASSESSING LUNG MATURITY IN NEWBORNS WITH RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS

We evaluated a modified TDx-fetal lung maturity (FLM) test for estimat ing surfactant in small volume tracheal aspirates in 140 infants requi ring mechanical ventilation. Respiratory distress syndrome was present in 75 infants, and 68 had TDx FLM less than 60 mg/dL (sensitivity, 90 .6%). Respiratory distress was absent in 65 infants, 56 had TDx FLM mo re than 60 mg/dL (specificity, 86.1%). The modified TDx-FLM assay is h ighly automated, has a fast turn-around time (less than 30 minutes), h as high reproducibility, and is less expensive than other available me thods. This method has potential routine application in the diagnosis of surfactant deficiency, and the assessment of surfactant replacement and mechanical ventilation therapies.