Eficacia y eficiencia de los surfactantes pulmonares en recién nacidos con síndrome de dificultad respiratoria en la unidad de cuidado intensivo neonatal de la Fundación Cardiovascular de Colombia, enero de 2009 - abril de 2011

to estimate the effectiveness and efficiency of pulmonary surfactants used in infants with respiratory distress syndrome at the colombian cardiovascular foundation, we designed an observational, descriptive study. we analyzed the medical records of newborns hospitalized in this institution between january 2009 and april 2011 and calculated the effectiveness and efficiency indicators for each surfactant. after analyzing aggregate data, we found that the most efficient and effective medication for these patients was survanta. it requires fewer doses per treatment, is more economical, and generates fewer days in the intensive care unit and fewer days of mechanical ventilation. in some cases, however, infasurf was more effective than survanta, caused less extubation failure in infants with low birth weight and fewer complications during treatment.