What is the purpose of the surfactant given to a neonate born at 32 weeks' gestation?

Surfactant is a substance that plays a critical role in neonatal respiratory health, particularly for infants born preterm, such as those at 32 weeks' gestation. The primary function of surfactant is to reduce the surface tension within the alveoli, the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. By decreasing this surface tension, surfactant helps keep the alveoli open and prevents them from collapsing, especially during the transition from fetal to neonatal life when the infant takes its first breaths. This is crucial for enabling effective respiration, as it allows the lungs to expand properly and facilitates the exchange of oxygen and carbon dioxide.

Without adequate surfactant, premature infants are at high risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), a condition characterized by labored breathing and poor oxygenation, making surfactant therapy an essential component of care for these vulnerable neonates. In this context, the function of surfactant directly supports lung function and helps ensure that the lungs remain expanded after the initiation of breathing, promoting overall respiratory stability and effectiveness.