A Prospective Pilot Controlled Trial Comparing the Intrapulmonary Distribution of Exogenous Surfactant Between (LISA) and Conventional Endotracheal Intubation in Preterm Neonates With RDS Using Lung Ultrasound and the NOVEL Surfactant Distribution Homogeneity Index (SDHI)
This prospective, non-randomized, unblinded pilot study evaluates and compares the intrapulmonary distribution of exogenous surfactant in preterm neonates when administered via Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) versus conventional endotracheal intubation (ETT). Lung ultrasound (LUS) will be utilized to assess the pioneer Surfactant Distribution Homogeneity Index (SDHI) to quantify the evenness and extent of surfactant-induced lung aeration. Secondary objectives include evaluating changes in LUS scores, short-term clinical respiratory outcomes, and feasibility parameters for guiding future larger-scale trials.
• Gestational age 24+0 to 42+6 weeks. Clinical and radiographic diagnosis of Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS). Requirement for surfactant within the first 3 days of life. Written informed parental consent.