calfactant + nitric oxide

This combination therapy consists of calfactant (Infasurf), a natural bovine-derived lung surfactant, and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO). It was specifically evaluated in the Trial of Late Surfactant (TOLSURF), a Phase 3 study led by Roberta Ballard and funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. The regimen involves the "late" administration of calfactant (starting between 7 and 14 days of age) to extremely low birth weight preterm infants who remain intubated and are receiving inhaled nitric oxide. Calfactant provides exogenous phospholipids and surfactant-associated proteins (SP-B and SP-C) to stabilize alveoli and reduce surface tension, while nitric oxide acts as a selective pulmonary vasodilator to improve oxygenation and potentially reduce lung inflammation. The primary goal of this combined approach is to prevent the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in high-risk premature neonates.

Brand names

Infasurf

Other names

calfactantinhaled nitric oxidelate surfactantiNO