The COVID-19 pandemic: a target for surfactant therapy?

Introduction The dramatic impact of COVID-19 on humans worldwide has initiated an extraordinary search for effective treatment approaches. One of these is the administration of exogenous surfactant, which is being tested in ongoing clinical trials. Areas covered Exogenous surfactant is a life-saving treatment for premature infants with neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. This treatment has also been tested for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with limited success possibly due to the complexity of that syndrome. The 60-year history of successes and failures associated with surfactant therapy distinguishes it from many other treatments currently being tested for COVID-19 and provides the opportunity to discuss the factors that may influence the success of this therapy. Expert opinion Clinical data provide a strong rationale for using exogenous surfactant in COVID-19 patients. Success of this therapy may be influenced by the mechanical ventilation strategy, the timing of treatment, the doses delivered, the method of delivery and the preparations utilized. In addition, future development of enhanced preparations may improve this treatment approach. Overall, results from ongoing trials may not only provide data to indicate if this therapy is effective for COVID-19 patients, but also lead to further scientific understanding and improved treatment strategies.

Automated summary

The impact of COVID-19 has led to a search for effective treatment approaches, with exogenous surfactant being considered as a potential therapy for COVID-19 patients. The success of this therapy could be influenced by various factors such as mechanical ventilation strategy, timing of treatment, doses delivered, method of delivery, and preparations utilized. Development of enhanced preparations may improve the effectiveness of this treatment approach, and ongoing trials may provide valuable data and insights for further scientific understanding and improved treatment strategies.