Ido Ekiti

Researchers are evaluating whether giving surfactant using a less invasive technique can help treat respiratory distress in preterm infants born in low- and middle-income African countries where invasive ventilators are not available. This trial focuses on infants born weighing between 750 and 2000 grams or with a gestational age of 24 to 35 weeks who have respiratory distress and are breathing on their own while receiving continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The study aims to see if this less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) improves survival and to monitor any medical problems that occur during treatment. In this study, preterm infants with respiratory distress will receive surfactant therapy through a thin catheter inserted into their windpipe during laryngoscopy while continuing CPAP support. This method is compared to the standard care of CPAP and caffeine citrate without surfactant. The surfactant is given shortly after birth, ideally within 24 hours, and participants are closely monitored for any complications or side effects related to the treatment. Participants will be followed throughout their hospital stay, which is on average about six months, to determine survival rates and safety outcomes. Researchers will assess the infants' response to surfactant therapy, monitor for respiratory and other medical complications, and track overall hospital survival. The study collects detailed data on the infants' health status and treatment progress to understand how well the less invasive method works in these settings.