Poractant Alfa

Poractant Alfa is a specialized surfactant replacement therapy used to treat respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants. Surfactant is a natural substance found in the lungs that helps maintain their elasticity and aids in gas exchange. In premature infants, the lungs may not have adequate surfactant, leading to difficulties in breathing and potential respiratory failure.
Poractant Alfa is a synthetic pulmonary surfactant derived from porcine (pig) lungs. The primary purpose of this medication is to restore lung function by replacing the lacking surfactant, thereby improving oxygen levels in the blood and reducing the workload of the infant’s respiratory muscles. This treatment is administered through a ventilator or a nebulizer, and the dosage is determined based on the infant’s weight and clinical condition.
The use of Poractant Alfa has been demonstrated to improve respiratory outcomes for premature infants, increasing the likelihood of survival without the need for ongoing respiratory support. Additionally, studies have shown that this medication may reduce the length of hospital stay and the risk of chronic lung disease in these fragile patients.