Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as the Initial Clinical Manifestation of an Antisynthetase Syndrome

( Seo Hyun Kim ),( I Nae Park ) 대한결핵 및 호흡기학회 2016 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.79 No.3

Antisynthetase syndrome has been recognized as an important cause of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy in a subset of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. It is associated with serum antibody to aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases and is characterized by a constellation of manifestations, including fever, myositis, interstitial lung disease, mechanic’s hand-like cutaneous involvement, Raynaud phenomenon, and polyarthritis. Lung disease is the presenting feature in 50% of the cases. We report a case of a 60-year-old female with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which later proved to be an unexpected and initial manifestation of anti-Jo-1 antibody.positive antisynthetase syndrome. The present case showed resolution of ARDS after treatment with high-dose corticosteroids. Given that steroids are not greatly beneficial in the treatment of ARDS, it is likely that the improvement of the respiratory symptoms in this patient also resulted from the prompt suppression of the inflammatory systemic response by corticosteroids.

패혈증 증후군환자에서 성인성 호흡곤란 증후군 발생의 예측 지표서의 혈중 Tumor Necrosis Factor-$\alpha$와 Interleukin-$1{\beta}$에 관한 연구

고윤석,장윤혜,김우성,이재담,오순환,김원동,Koh, Youn-Suck,Jang, Yun-Hae,Kim, Woo-Sung,Lee, Jae-Dam,Oh, Soon-Hwan,Kim, Won-Dong 대한결핵및호흡기학회 1994 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.41 No.5

연구배경: ARDS발생 기전에 있어 TNF-$\alpha$나 IL-$1{\beta}$의 역할은 이들이 폐혈관 내피세포에 작용하여 모세혈관의 투과성을 증가시키는 것으로 추정되나 ARDS환자 발생 예측 지표로서의 TNF-$\alpha$ 및 IL-$1{\beta}$의 임상적 유용성에 대한 지금까지의 연구결과는 부정적이다. 이는 기존연구들이 다양한 질환들을 대상으로 함으로써 ARDS 발생기전의 다양성이 ARDS환자 발생 예측지표로서의 TNF-$\alpha$의 유용성을 부정적으로 나타나게하였을 가능성을 배제할 수 없다. 이에 저자들은 ARDS 발생이 내독소와 cytokines등에 의한 작용인 것으로 알려지고 있는 패혈증 증후군 환자들을 대상으로 TNF-$\alpha$와 IL-$1{\beta}$의 ARDS 발생의 예측 표지자로서 임상적 효용성을 검토하고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방법: 패혈증 증후군환자들을 대상으로 ARDS발생군(이하 ARDS군, 16명)과 호흡부전 상태에서 ARDS로는 진행하지않은 급성호흡 부전군(Acute hypoxemic respiratory failure group, 이하 AHRF군, 20명)으로 분류하여 등록시, 24시간 및 72시간후에 채혈하여 ARDS군은 ARDS 발생시에, AHRF군은 동맥혈 산소분압에 대한 폐포 산소분압의 비가 가장 낮은 시점의 TNF-$\alpha$와 IL-$1{\beta}$의 농도를 비교하였다. 또한 ARDS 및 AHRF군에서 쇽 발생군과 비발생군으로 분류하고 쇽 발생시에 측정된 TNF-$\alpha$와 IL-$1{\beta}$를 비발생군의 TNF-$\alpha$ 및 IL-$1{\beta}$의 값과 비교하였다. 대조군은 건강 대조군으로서 1회만 채혈하였다. 결과: 1) 혈중 TNF-$\alpha$의 농도: 본 연구에 사용한 Predicta kit의 TNF-$\alpha$ 농도 측정의 민감도는 평균${\pm}2$표준편차의 하한값이 10pg/mL이며, 특이도는 100%로, ARDS군 16명중 8명이, AHRF군 20명중 12명이 10pg/mL 이상으로 측정되어 두 군사이에서 혈중 TNF-$\alpha$가 10pg/mL 이상 발현된 비율의 차이는 없었다. ARDS 및 AHRF군의 혈중 TNF-$\alpha$의 중앙값 농도는 각각 10.26pg/mL(<10-16.99pg/mL, 사분위수범위, interquartile range), 10.82pg/mL(<10-20.38pg/mL)로서 두 군 사이에는 유의한 차이가 없었으며 (Fig. 1), ARDS 발생 전후의 혈중 TNF-$\alpha$의 농도도 중앙값이 10pg/mL미만(<10-15.32)pg/mL 및 10pg/mL미만(<10-10.22)pg/mL로서 유의한 차이가 없었고 6명중 2명만이 ARDS 발생 전에 비하여 TNF-$\alpha$의 값이 증가되었다. ARDS 및 AHRF군에서 패혈성 쇽이 발생한 환자들(26명)의 TNF-$\alpha$의 농도는 12.53(<10-20.82)pg/mL로서 비발생군(10명) <10pg/mL에 비해 유의하게 높았으나(p<0.01)(Fig. 2), 전체 생존군(<10, <10-12.92pg/mL)과 사망군(11.80, <10-20.8pg/mL)사이에는 유의한 차이가 없었다(P=0.28). 2) 혈중 IL-$1{\beta}$의 농도: 본 연구에 사용한 Quantikine kit의 최저 측정치는 0.3ng/mL로서 건강 대조군 10명중 1명을 제외한 모두에서 IL-$1{\beta}$측정치가 0.3pg/mL이하였다. ARDS 및 AHRF군의 검체 중 0.3ng/mL 이하로 측정된 경우는 ARDS, AHRF군에서 각각 1예가 있었다 ARDS 및 AHRF군의 혈중 IL-$1{\beta}$의 농도는 각각 2.22(1.37-8.01)ng/mL, 2.13(0.83-5.29)ng/mL으로서 두 군사이에는 유의한 차이가 없었으며(Fig. 3), ARDS 발생전(2.53, 0.3-8.38ng/mL)과 발생후(5.35, 0.66-11.51ng/mL)에서도 차이가 없었다. 패혈성 쇽 발생군(2.51, 1.28-8.34ng/mL)과 비발생군(1.46, 0.15-2.13ng/mL)사이에서는 통계적인 유의한 차이는 없었으나 비발생군에서 낮은 경향을 보였다(각각 P=0.44, P=0.054)(Fig. 4). 생존군과 Background: Tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-$\alpha$ and Interleukin(lL)-$1{\beta}$ are thought to play a major role in the pathogenesis of the septic syndrome, which is frequently associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). In spite of many reports for the role of TNF-$\alpha$ in the pathogenesis of ARDS, including human studies, it has been reported that TNF-$\alpha$ is not sensitive and specific marker for impending ARDS. But there is a possibility that the results were affected by the diversity of pathogenetic mechanisms leading to the ARDS because of various underlying disorders of the study group in the previous reports. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the roles of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ as a predictable marker for development of ARDS in the patients with septic syndrome, in which the pathogenesis is believed to be mainly cytokine-mediated. Methods: Thirty-six patients of the septic syndrome hospitalized in the intensive care units of the Asan Medical Center were studied. Sixteens suffered from ARDS, whereas the remaining 20 were at the risk of developing ARDS(acute hypoxemic respiratory failure, AHRF). In all patients venous blood samples were collected in heparin-coated tubes at the time of enrollment, at 24 and 72 h thereafter. TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ was measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). All data are expressed as median with interquartile range. Results: 1) Plama TNF-$\alpha$ levels: Plasma TNF-$\beta$ levels were less than 10pg/mL, which is lowest detection value of the kit used in this study within the range of the $mean{\pm}2SD$, in all of the normal controls, 8 of 16 subjects of ARDS and in 8 in 20 subjects of AHRF. Plasma TNF-$\alpha$ levels from patients with ARDS were 10.26pg/mL(median; <10-16.99pg/mL, interquartile range) and not different from those of patients at AHRF(10.82, <10-20.38pg/mL). There was also no significant difference between pre-ARDS(<10, <10-15.32pg/mL) and ARDS(<10, <10-10.22pg/mL). TNF-$\alpha$ levels were significantly greater in the patients with shock than the patients without shock(12.53pg/mL vs. <10pg/mL) (p<0.01). There was no statistical significance between survivors(<10, <10-12.92pg/mL) and nonsurvivors(11.80, <10-20.8pg/mL) (P=0.28) in the plasma TNF-$\alpha$ levels. 2) Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels: Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels were less than 0.3ng/mL, which is the lowest detection value of the kit used in this study, in one of each patients group. There was no significant difference in IL-$1{\beta}$ levels of the ARDS(2.22, 1.37-8.01ng/mL) and of the AHRF(2.13, 0.83-5.29ng/mL). There was also no significant difference between pre-ARDS(2.53, <0.3-8.34ngfmL) and ARDS(5.35, 0.66-11.51ng/mL), and between patients with septic shock and patients without shock (2.51, 1.28-8.34 vs 1.46, 0.15-2.13ng/mL). Plasma IL-$1{\beta}$ levels were significantly different between survivors(1.37, 0.4-2.36ng/mL) and nonsurvivors(2.84, 1.46-8.34ng/mL). Conclusion: Plasma TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ level are not a predictable marker for development of ARDS. But TNF-$\alpha$ is a marker for shock in septic syndrome. These result could not exclude a possibility of pathophysiologic roles of TNF-$\alpha$ and IL-$1{\beta}$ in acute lung injury because these cytokine could be locally produced and exert its effects within the lungs.

Comparison of Respiratory Outcome between the Surfactant without Endotracheal Tube Intubation and the Intubation-Surfactant-Extubation Techniques in Extremely Low Gestational Age Neonates with Respiratory Distress Syndrome

( Teahyen Cha ),( Jiyoon Jeong ),( Byong Sop Lee ),( Ellen Ai-rhan Kim ),( Ki-soo Kim ),( Euiseok Jung ) 대한주산의학회 2021 Perinatology Vol.32 No.3

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether there were differences in respiratory outcomes of extremely low gestational age neonates according to the surfactant without endotracheal tube intubation (SURE) technique or the intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE) technique in treating respiratory distress syndrome. Methods: Preterm infants less than 28 weeks of gestational age between January 2015 and December 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and outcome variables, the respiratory outcomes including incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and pulmonary acuity score (PAS) were compared between the infants who received SURE and INSURE. Results: A total of 53 infants (SURE, 18; INSURE, 35) were analyzed. There were differences between SURE and INSURE groups in birth weight (919.5 g vs. 815.6 g, P=0.037) and Apgar score (1 minute: 6 vs. 5, P=0.037; 5 minutes: 8 vs. 7, P=0.016). Positive pressure ventilation rate at delivery room, continuous positive airway pressure failure rate, the second dose of surfactant administration, the duration of invasive and/or noninvasive respiratory support, and the incidence of BPD were not significantly different between the two groups. The PAS at 7 days of life (DOL) was lower than at birth in SURE group (P=0.048). However, there were no differences between PAS at birth and at postmenstrual age 36 weeks. Conclusion: Respiratory outcomes including incidence of BPD were not different between the SURE and INSURE groups. Nevertheless, PAS at 7 DOL decreased after the SURE technique.

신생아 호홉곤란증후군에서 Surfactant 투여군과 대조군의 임상적 비교관찰

오연균 圓光大學校 醫科學硏究所 1995 圓光醫科學 Vol.11 No.2

We performed a randomized clinical trial comparing intratracheal administration of surfactant with assisted ventilatiory treatment with mechanical ventilation alone for treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. Twenty two premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome were randomly assigned to surfactant-treated or control group. Thirteen infants (mean gestational age: 29.3±1.8weeks, mean birth weight: l,424±227.3gm) were given surfactant-TA. and nine infants received intermittent mandatory ventilation only. The results were as follows: 1) We investigated the severity of respiratory distress syndrome by grading .which were severe, intermediate and minimal, at each point. Intermediate and severe categories were more rapidly changed to minimal in the surfactant-treated group than the control. Especially, those were improved at the 24 hours after surfactant administration significantly(46.2 vs 0%) (p<0.05). 2) Within 6 to 96hours of replacement of surfactant, there were significantly improved oxygenation with decreased FiO2 and increased a/APO2 and diminished the need for respiratory support with decreased Ⅵ index and mean airway pressure in the surfactant-treated group than the control(p<0.05∼0.005). 3) A decrease in the need for respiratory support was also reflected by a shortening of the total duration in assisted ventilation(6.7 vs 11.5days), supplemental oxygen(17.5 vs 32.25days)and high supplemental oxygen over 40%(3.0 vs 4.7days) in the surfactant-treated group. 4) In the surfactant-treated group, sepsis, IVH, PDA and NEC occured more often, and pneumothorax, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and apnea occured less. But, the difference of these complications were not significant. 5) Infants in the surfactant-treated group had decreased mortality, but it was not significant. And, the major causes of death were pulmonary hemorrhage and sepsis in both groups, but there was no significant difference between two groups. We concluded that replacement of surfactant is effective therapy that can improve the pulmonary function with diminution the need for oxygen and respiratory support.

급성 호흡곤란 증후군 영아의 고빈도 환기요법

김정희(Jeong Hee Kim),장윤실(Yun Sil Chang),박원순(Weon Sun Park),이상일(Sang Il Lee) 대한소아알레르기호흡기학회 1997 소아알레르기 및 호흡기학회지 Vol.7 No.1

Respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia in a 6-month-old male infant progressed to acute respiratory distress syndrome. He had an acute and rapidly progressive pulmonary disease, in association with progressive, diffuse, bilateral pulmonary infiltrates on the chest radiograph, and hypoxemia(PaO2/FiO2 ratio of 98.2 with PEEP) without evidence of cardiac disease. High frequency oscillatory ventilation(HFOU) was instituted after worsening of oxygenation with conventional ventilation. High frequency oscillatory ventilation improved oxygenation without any complications. After 8 days of HFOV, conventional ventilation was instituted with- out impairment of oxygenation. After 13 days of total mechanical ventilation, he was extubated and soon after discharged home. High frequency oscillatory ventilation provide good results of oxygenation and ventilation in infants with ABDS. Further evaluation of safety and efficacy of HFOV will require carefully designed, randomized, controlled studies of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Effect of corticosteroid therapy in the early phase of acute respiratory distress syndrome: a propensity-matched cohort study

( Moon Seong Baek ),( Yunkyoung Lee ),( Sang-bum Hong ),( Chae-man Lim ),( Younsuck Koh ),( Jin Won Huh ) 대한내과학회 2021 The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine Vol.36 No.1

Background/Aims: It is unclear whether corticosteroid use in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) improves survival. This study aimed to investigate whether the administration of corticosteroids to patients in the early phase of moderate to severe ARDS is associated with improved outcomes. Methods: We analyzed the data of patients who received corticosteroids within 7 days of the onset of ARDS between June 2006 and December 2015 at a single tertiary teaching hospital. A total of 565 patients admitted with moderate to severe ARDS were eligible. The outcomes of patients treated with methylprednisolone 40 to 180 mg/day or equivalent (n = 404) were compared to those who did not receive steroids (n = 161). The primary and secondary outcomes were 28- and 90-day mortality rates, respectively. Propensity scores were used to adjust for baseline covariates. Results: The overall mortality at 28 days was not significantly different between the corticosteroid-treated and control groups (43.8% vs. 41%, p = 0.541). At 90 days, the overall mortality rate was higher in the corticosteroid-treated group than in the control group (59.2% vs. 48.4%, p = 0.021). However, on propensity score matching, corticosteroid therapy was not associated with a higher 28-day mortality rate (odds ratio, 1.031; 95% confidence interval, 0.657 to 1.618; p = 0.895) and 90 days (odds ratio, 1.435; 95% confidence interval, 0.877 to 2.348; p = 0.151). Conclusions: Corticosteroid therapy was not associated with 28- or 90-day mortality in the early phase of moderate to severe ARDS on propensity score matching analysis.

Brain Injuries in Term Infants with Respiratory Distress Immediately after Birth

정나영,이주영,이가희,남수경,전용훈 대한주산의학회 2022 Perinatology Vol.33 No.1

Objective: We aimed to identify the prevalence of brain injuries and its associated factors in term infants with respiratory distress. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 98 infants born after 36 weeks’ gestation, who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit with a chief complaint of respiratory distress between January 2015 and December 2019. Brain magnetic resonance imaging findings, baseline demographics, and clinical characteristics were compared between infants with and without brain injuries. Results: The proportion of infants having brain injuries among term infants with respiratory distress was 46.9% (46/98). The 1-minute Apgar scores (median [interquartile range]) were significantly lower (8 [5.0-9.0] vs. 9 [7.5-9.0], P=0.033) and maternal placental abruption was more frequent (6 [13.0%] vs. 1 [1.9%], P=0.049) in infants with brain injuries. Respiratory rates were lower (67 [48-78]/min vs. 78 [60-90]/min, P=0.009) and metabolic acidosis was more severe (pH: 7.21 [7.13-7.26] vs. 7.24 [7.20-7.30], P=0.027; base excess: -4.2 [-13.1 to -1.8] mEq/L vs. -2.7 [-5.5 to -1.2] mEq/L, P=0.072) in infants with brain injuries compared with infants without brain injuries. Conclusion: Brain injury occurred in about half of the infants with unexpected respiratory distress immediately after birth. More severe metabolic acidosis, which was not compensated for by tachypnea, was associated with brain injuries in term infants. Preemptive evaluation is necessary to identify brain injuries in infants with respiratory distress.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as the Initial Clinical Manifestation of an Antisynthetase Syndrome

김서현,박이내 대한결핵및호흡기학회 2016 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.79 No.3

Antisynthetase syndrome has been recognized as an important cause of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy in a subset of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. It is associated with serum antibody to aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases and is characterized by a constellation of manifestations, including fever, myositis, interstitial lung disease, mechanic’s hand-like cutaneous involvement, Raynaud phenomenon, and polyarthritis. Lung disease is the presenting feature in 50% of the cases. We report a case of a 60-year-old female with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which later proved to be an unexpected and initial manifestation of anti-Jo-1 antibody–positive antisynthetase syndrome. The present case showed resolution of ARDS after treatment with high-dose corticosteroids. Given that steroids are not greatly beneficial in the treatment of ARDS, it is likely that the improvement of the respiratory symptoms in this patient also resulted from the prompt suppression of the inflammatory systemic response by corticosteroids.

Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome as the Initial Clinical Manifestation of an Antisynthetase Syndrome

Kim, Seo-Hyun,Park, I-Nae The Korean Academy of Tuberculosis and Respiratory 2016 Tuberculosis and Respiratory Diseases Vol.79 No.3

Antisynthetase syndrome has been recognized as an important cause of autoimmune inflammatory myopathy in a subset of patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis. It is associated with serum antibody to aminoacyl-transfer RNA synthetases and is characterized by a constellation of manifestations, including fever, myositis, interstitial lung disease, mechanic's hand-like cutaneous involvement, Raynaud phenomenon, and polyarthritis. Lung disease is the presenting feature in 50% of the cases. We report a case of a 60-year-old female with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which later proved to be an unexpected and initial manifestation of anti-Jo-1 antibody-positive antisynthetase syndrome. The present case showed resolution of ARDS after treatment with high-dose corticosteroids. Given that steroids are not greatly beneficial in the treatment of ARDS, it is likely that the improvement of the respiratory symptoms in this patient also resulted from the prompt suppression of the inflammatory systemic response by corticosteroids.

중등도 신생아 호흡 곤란 증후군에서 폐 표면 활성제 조기 투여 후 Nasal CPAP의 치료 효과

김은지,김혜숙,허만회,이상길,Kim, Eun Ji,Kim, Hae Sook,Hur, Man Hoe,Lee, Sang Geel 대한소아청소년과학회 2002 Clinical and Experimental Pediatrics (CEP) Vol.45 No.10

목 적 : 신생아 호흡 곤란 증후군에서 폐 표면 활성제의 조기 투여와 연성 환기, 고빈도 환기요법과 공격적 인공호흡기 이탈은 신생아 호흡 곤란 증후군 치료의 기본이다. 하지만, 침습적인 기도삽관에 의한 인공호흡기 치료보다 비침습적인 폐 표면 활성제의 조기투여와 nasal CPAP 병용치료의 적용 가능성을 확인하고자 본 연구를 시행하였다. 방 법 : 1999년 1월부터 2001년 8월까지 본원 출생아로서 중등도 신생아 호흡 곤란 증후군으로 진단된 환아 중 생후 2시간 이내 폐 표면 활성제의 조기 투여 후 nasal CPAP의 호기 말 양압을 5-6 cm $H_2O$로 설정하여 임상경과를 관찰한 14례를 연구군으로 하고, 인공호흡기 치료 후 5일 이내 조기이탈이 가능했던 15례를 대상으로 병력, 흉부 방사선 소견, SMR, 임상경과, 산소화 지수를 병력지를 이용하여 후향적으로 분석 하였다. 결 과 : 1) 대상아의 특징 : 평균 재태 연령은 연구군이 $32.3{\pm}1.7$주이고, 대조군은 31.3${\pm}1.5$주이었고, 평균 출생체중은 연구군이 $1,730{\pm}290gm$, 대조군이 $1,620{\pm}350gm$이었으며, 남녀 성비는 연구군이 10 : 4, 대조군이 6 : 9로 양군간에 유의한 차이가 없었다. 2) 양군에서 출생시 RDS의 정도 및 검사 소견의 비교 : 연구군에서 SMR은 $9.8{\pm}6.5$개, 대조군에서 $10.7{\pm}3.1$개, 흉부방사선 소견상 Bomsel grade 2 이상이 연구군에서 12례, 대조군에서 15례, 임상증상은 빈호흡이 연구군에서 11례, 대조군에서 9례, 흉부함몰은 연구군에서 10례, 대조군에서 8례, 신음호흡은 연구군에서 10례, 대조군에서 7례였고, 1분과 5분 Apgar 점수는 연구군이 각각 $6.9{\pm}1.3$, $8.4{\pm}0.8$, 대조군이 각각 $6.5{\pm}1.2$, $8.1{\pm}0.5$, 동맥혈 가스 분석상 pH, $PaCO_2$는 연구군이 각각 $7.3{\pm}0.1$, $51.3{\pm}14.1mmHg$, 대조군이 각각 $7.3{\pm}0.1$, $45.6{\pm}14.6mmHg$으로 신생아 호흡 곤란 증후군의 중등도 비교에서 양군은 유의한 차이가 없었다. 3) 양군에서 치료과정 중 동맥혈 가스 분석 및 호흡지표의 변화(생후 6-12시간 사이의 경과) : 호흡기치료과정 중 동맥혈 가스 분석 검사상 pH 및 $PaCO_2$의 평균치는 연구군에서 각각 $7.39{\pm}0.1$, $39.1{\pm}7.9$, 대조군에서 각각 $7.38{\pm}0.1$, $35.4{\pm}8.5$, 산소화 지수의 평균치는 연구군에서 $9.1{\pm}1.3$, 대조군에서 $8.34{\pm}1.7$로 양군에서 유의한 차이가 없었다. 4) 연구군에서 임상적 경과 및 CPAP 치료에 대한 반응도 : 연구군에서 임상적 경과가 악화되어 인공호흡기 치료가 필요했던 경우는 14례 중 2례(14.3%)이었고, 12례(85.7%)에서는 성공적으로 치료되어 인공호흡기 치료가 필요없었다. 실패한 2례 중 1례는 임상경과 중 호흡지표의 악화로 인공호흡기 치료로 전환된 경우이고 나머지 1례는 장치 후 6시간 이내에 제반증상의 악화로 보존적 인공호흡기 치료로 전환된 경우이다. 성공적으로 치료된 경우 지속적 양압 환기기간은 평균 5일이었고 평균 호기말 양압은 $5.4{\pm}0.5cm$ $H_2O$이었다. 5) 양군에서 합병증의 비교 : 동맥관 개존증은 대조군에서 2례(14.3%)있었고, 병기(stage) 3 이상의 미숙아 망막증은 연구군에서 1례, 대조군에서 3례 있었으며, 뇌실내 출혈은 연구군에서 3례, 대조군에서 2례 있었고, 뇌실주위백질연화증은 연구군에서 1례, 대조군에서 3례 있었으며, 공기 누출 Purpose : Early surfactant therapy with either gentle ventilation, high-frequency ventilation or aggressive weaning of mechanical ventilation are principles for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome(RDS). We studied to determine the accessibility of noninvasive nasal continuous positive airway pressure(CPAP) rather than mechanical ventilation by invasive intubation after early surfactant therapy. Methods : The study group consisted of 14 infants who were born and diagnosed with moderate respiratory distress syndrome and received early surfactant therapy with nasal CPAP of PEEP 5-6 cm $H_2O$ within two hours after birth in the Fatima neonatal intensive care unit for two years from January 1999 to August 2001. The control group consisted of 15 infants who were diagnosed with the disease and could be weaned from mechanical ventilator within five days after birth during the same period. Results : The characteristics, the severity of clinical symptoms and laboratory findings in the two groups at birth showed no significant difference. Neither did the interim analysis of laboratory data in two groups. Of 14 infants in the study group who received nasal CPAP after early surfactant therapy, only two infants showed weaning failure with this therapy. In the response cases, duration of CPAP was five days and mean airway pressure was $5.4{\pm}0.5cm$ $H_2O$. Two had the complication of CPAP with abdominal distension. Final complications and outcomes in the two groups showed no signifcant difference(P>0.05). Conclusion : The clinical courses in the two groups showed no significant difference. Therefore, we suggest that early surfactant therapy with noninvasive nasal CPAP is a simple and safe method rather than aggressive weaning after invasive mechanical ventilation in moderate respiratory distress syndrome.