A novel delivery system for supraglottic atomization allows increased lung deposition rates of pulmonary surfactant in newborn piglets

Abstract

Background

Earlier attempts to deliver effective lung doses of surfactant by aerosolization were unsuccessful, mostly because of technical shortcomings. We aimed at quantifying the lung deposition of poractant alfa with a new supraglottic delivery system for surfactant atomization in an experimental neonatal model.

Methods

The method involved six sedated 1-day-old piglets lying in the lateral decubitus, spontaneously breathing on nasal-mask continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP). A pharyngeal cannula housing a multi-channel air-blasting atomization catheter was placed through the mouth with its tip above the glottis entrance. In all, 200 mg kg⁻¹ of a ^99mTc-surfactant mixture was atomized through the catheter synchronously with inspiration. Six intubated control piglets received an equal amount of intratracheally instilled ^99mTc-surfactant mixture. The percentage of the ^99mTc-surfactant mixture deposited in the lungs was estimated by scintigraphy.

Results

Median (range) deposition in the lungs was 40% (24–68%) after atomization and 87% (55–95%) after instillation (p < 0.001). Overall, almost 80% of the deposited surfactant was in the dependent lung. Effective atomization time (atomizer on) was 28 (17–52) min, yielding an output rate of 0.1–0.2 mL min⁻¹.

Conclusions

Without endotracheal intubation, in spontaneously breathing newborn piglets, this new supraglottic atomizer delivery system attained a median lung deposition of 40% of the nominal dose of surfactant.

Introduction

Respiratory distress syndrome is the most common disease affecting premature neonates.¹ Endotracheal (ET) instillation of exogenous surfactant is still the standard recommended therapy² with high-quality evidence demonstrating its clinical efficacy by dramatically improved survival rates since its introduction in the 1980s.^3,4 Nevertheless, surfactant delivery via instillation is an invasive procedure that usually requires ET intubation and manipulation of the airways and is associated with several risks, such as transient hypoxia and bradycardia, changes in blood pressure, fluctuations in cerebral blood flow, pulmonary hemorrhage, and positive pressure ventilation.^5–7

Because of these potential complications and the increasing use of noninvasive ventilation methods (NIV) in the treatment of mild-to-moderate degrees of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome, there has been a renewed interest in the implementation of less invasive techniques for surfactant administration to the premature surfactant-deficient infant. In the 1990s, the INSURE [INtubate, bolus SURfactant administration, prompt Extubation to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP)] technique was introduced^8,9 to preclude prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation, and although it does reduce mechanical ventilation time and possibly the extent of barotrauma, it does not consistently decrease the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or associated complications.¹⁰ In the past decade, new approaches to surfactant administration have been gathered under the denomination of minimally invasive surfactant therapy. Fifteen German centers showed decreased mortality and lower incidence of BPD when administering surfactant via a thin, flexible catheter inserted below the vocal cords in spontaneously breathing neonates while on nCPAP.^11–13 However, the technique requires the use of a laryngoscope and often of a Magill forceps to properly place the catheter in the trachea.

Recent improvements in aerosol technology have encouraged new trials for the administration of nebulized or atomized surfactant obviating the need for intubation. Using a vibrating-mesh nebulizer to continuously deliver porcine surfactant (Curosurf®, Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, Parma, Italy) to piglets on nCPAP, we reported a lung deposition of 14% of the total nebulized dosage.¹⁴ However, upper airway deposition (nose and pharynx) was 19%, supporting the observations of others that the placement of a nebulizer in the ventilator breathing circuit is often associated with a significant loss of surfactant in the upper airways, in the breathing circuit, and possibly to the ambient air.¹⁵ To optimize delivery, a new system that uses a special pharyngeal cannula and a multichannel flexible catheter for surfactant atomization was developed.^16,17 The tip of the cannula holding the multichannel catheter is placed in the pharynx just above the glottic opening without requiring the use of a laryngoscope. The device allows surfactant atomization to take place directly above the glottis, therefore bypassing most of the upper airway, in synchrony with the inspiratory flow during nCPAP or other modalities of NIV.

This feasibility study aimed to quantify the lung deposition of the ^99mTc-poractant alfa surfactant mixture in spontaneously breathing newborn piglets on nCPAP with this new delivery system for surfactant atomization.

Methods

The experiment was approved by the local committee on animal research ethics of Lund University, Sweden. Twelve-to-36 h-old full-term piglets were studied. The animals were randomly assigned to one of the two groups of six subjects each: one group received atomized surfactant, and the other received ET-instilled surfactant. In both, during surfactant administration, half of the animals laid on their right and half on their left side.

Anesthesia and monitoring

Animals were premedicated with intramuscular ketamine (6 mg), midazolam (0.4 mg), and atropine (0.2 mg). An ear vein was cannulated and continuous analgosedation with intravenous (i.v.) ketamine (1–3 mg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) and dexmedetomidine (1–3 µg kg⁻¹ h⁻¹) was started. Intermittent dexmedetomidine (0.1 µg kg⁻¹) or propofol (1–3 mg kg⁻¹) were given i.v. as needed to ascertain animal comfort. A solution of 50 g glucose, 70 mmol sodium, 45 mmol chloride, and 25 mmol acetate per liter was infused i.v. at a rate of 10 mL kg⁻¹ h⁻¹.

A femoral artery was cannulated for arterial blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling. Electrocardiogram and pulse oximetry were continuously monitored. Data were sampled and recorded using a Philips IntelliVue M70 monitor (Philips Healthcare Sverige, Stockholm, Sweden). A self-adherent near-infrared spectroscopy probe (Pediatric SomaSensor probe, model SPFB-USA, Somanetics Corporation, Troy, MI, USA) was placed on a shaved spot on the center of the scalp and connected to a Somanetics INVOS 5100C Cerebral/Somatic Oximeter monitor for measurement of regional cerebral saturation (CrSO₂); the monitor updated and stored the readings every 6 s.

A neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA) catheter (Maquet Critical Care AB, Solna, Sweden) was used to monitor the integrated electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi), which allowed assessment of the breathing pattern and aided in titrating the level of sedation.

Arterial blood gases

Arterial blood gases were obtained at baseline (10 min after preparation was completed), immediately before treatment, at 15 min of atomization or 15 min after instillation, and the end of treatment. The samples were analyzed on an ABL 700 blood gas analyzer (Radiometer, Copenhagen, Denmark).

Surfactant preparation

All animals received 200 mg kg⁻¹ of porcine surfactant (Curosurf^® 80 mg mL⁻¹), thoroughly mixed with 300 MBq technetium-99m-nanocolloid (^99mTc–nanocolloid, Nanocoll®, GE Healthcare AB, Stockholm, Sweden).¹⁸

The atomizer

The investigational system consisted of an ad hoc designed pharyngeal cannula conveying a multi-lumen catheter connected to a modified infusion pump intermittently delivering the ^99mTc- surfactant mixture into the catheter’s central lumen. The infusion pump was controlled by a dedicated electronic circuit activating the infusion of surfactant during inspiration only, which reduced the waste of surfactant. For atomization, pressurized medical air was applied to the catheter’s outer lumens at a pressure level able to produce an atomizing flow of 0.5 L min⁻¹. With this airflow, the median particle size volume distribution (Dv50) ranged between 40 and 60 µm as determined by a laser diffraction method (Spraytech, Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK) with the variability explained by the handmade manufacturing process of the catheter. For breath synchronization, an additional fluid-filled catheter (sensing catheter) was connected to a pressure sensor and secured along the pharyngeal cannula to measure the pressure oscillations in the pharyngeal cavity (Fig. 1). A second infusion pump injected a continuous flow of a saline solution at 1 mL h⁻¹ preventing the unintentional occlusion of the sensing catheter.

Fig. 1.

Schematics of the delivery system.

Ventilation and surfactant administration in the atomization group

In the atomization group, 0.1 mL of nasal decongestant oxymetazoline hydrochloride (0.5 mg mL⁻¹) was given in each nostril. To avoid undesirable reflexes, the animals inhaled 10 mg of lidocaine with 0.5 mg adrenaline for 3 min before airway manipulation. A snout mask manufactured using the thumb of a nitrile-rubber medical examination glove and a standard ET tube (ETT) connector was attached to the ventilator circuit Y-piece. Spontaneous breathing was maintained throughout surfactant atomization supported by the Servo-i ventilator (Maquet Critical Care AB, Solna, Sweden) in nCPAP mode. The mouth was kept closed to decrease leakage and to avoid interference with the delivery system (Fig. 1). CPAP was kept at 3 cm H₂O and FiO₂ at 0.4.

The surfactant delivery system was placed in the retro-pharynx with additional topical anesthesia with 1% lidocaine gel (Fig. 2). The correct placement, just above the epiglottis, i.e., not to interfere with the normal movement of the epiglottis during breathing, was confirmed using a fiberscope (Fig. 3). The surfactant was delivered in four aliquots interspaced with 5 min of pressure-support (PS) ventilation with inspiratory pressures 4–8 cm H₂O above positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) 4 cm H₂O to avoid atelectasis and promote the delivery of the surfactant to the distal airways. During atomization, FiO₂ was adjusted in increments of 5% as needed to keep SaO₂ > 85%. After surfactant administration, the piglets were stabilized for 15 min and then intubated with a 2.5 cuffed ETT (Kimberley-Clark, Neenah, WI) to secure the airway before transport to the gamma camera in an adjacent building.

Fig. 2.

Close-up picture of the catheter tip in the center of the oropharyngeal cannula and its position at the laryngeal entrance.

Fig. 3.

Picture taken with the fiberscope confirming the correct position of the cannula in relation to the larynx entrance and a technical drawing of the cannula’s lateral view.

Ventilation and surfactant administration in the instillation group

In the instillation group, the trachea was intubated with a size 2.5 cuffed ETT after spraying the larynx with lidocaine. Correct tube placement was confirmed by careful thorax auscultation. The piglet was connected to the Servo-i ventilator, and spontaneous breathing maintained using the PS mode with PEEP 4 cm H₂O and FiO₂ 0.5. Inspiratory pressure was adjusted to achieve a tidal volume of 6–10 mL kg⁻¹, i.e., between 4 and 8 cm H₂O above PEEP. Differently from the treatment group (alternating nCPAP and PS + PEEP), the animals were kept on PS mode throughout.

Surfactant bolus was instilled in the trachea using a catheter passed 0.5 cm beyond the tip of the ETT. After instillation, before the resumption of the previous ventilator settings, PEEP was increased to 10 cm H₂O for 1 min to promote lung recruitment and surfactant distribution. The piglets were stabilized for 15 min before being transferred to the gamma camera.

Measurement of surfactant deposition

Piglets were placed prone in a gamma camera (Philips Skylight, Philips AB, Stockholm, Sweden) with dual heads, simultaneously acquiring one anterior and one posterior image. After a 3-min exposure, 25 MBq of ^99mTc-macroaggregated albumin (Tc-MAA, TechneScan LyoMAA, Covidien Sverige AB, Solna, Sweden) was injected i.v., and a second exposure made. The ^99mTc-MAA is trapped in the lung capillaries and is used to outline the lungs and to do internal calibration as earlier described.¹⁴ Deposition at various regions of interest was calculated from the mean of the anterior and posterior images and presented as a percentage of the total atomized or instilled surfactant dose.

At the end of the study, i.e., after the gamma scintigraphy examination, the piglets were killed using an excess dose of pentobarbital, fentanyl, and potassium.

Statistical analysis

Differences between groups were assessed with t test or alternatively Mann–Whitney test using Sigmaplot 14 (Systat Software Inc., San Jose, CA) after controlling for normality and variance. Differences within groups were tested with paired t test or alternatively Wilcoxon signed-rank test or repeated-measures analysis of variance on ranks. p values <0.05 were considered significant. Results are presented as median (range), if not otherwise stated.

Results

Body weight was significantly different between the groups, 0.9 kg (0.8–1.1 kg) in the instillation and 1.2 kg (1–1.7 kg) in the atomization group (p = 0.014). There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in gender distribution (four females and eight males). Hemoglobin concentration was 78 g L⁻¹ (62–121 g L⁻¹) in the instillation group and 80 g L⁻¹ (55–109 g L⁻¹) in the atomization group (differences not statistically significant). Blood gas parameters (Table 1), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and CrSO₂ were similar at baseline.

Table 1.

Arterial blood gases.

Group	Baseline	Start	15 min	End
PaO2, kPa
Atomizer	19 (13–22)	9.2 (6.1–19)a,b	5.7 (3.7–13)b	7.2 (6.8–12)a,b
Instillation	16 (14–26)	18 (14–24)	9.6 (5.3–13)b	14 (13–21)
PaCO2, kPa
Atomizer	5.8 (4.9–6.7)	5.4 (4.8–6.4)	6.8 (5.0–8.5)	8.6 (5.7–11)a,b
Instillation	7.5 (4.6–12)	5.1 (4.5–5.8)	6.8 (4.9–9.4)	6.1 (5.6–7.2)
pH
Atomizer	7.49 (7.39–7.55)	7.42 (7.33–7.49)	7.41 (7.33–7.49)	7.29 (7.24–7.44)a,b
Instillation	7.44 (7.29–7.53)	7.52 (7.47–7.65)	7.42 (7.24–7.58)	7.47 (7.41–7.50)

Values are presented as median (range). Differences within groups were analyzed with RM ANOVA on ranks followed by Dunn’s post hoc test when indicated. Differences between groups at the different stages were analyzed with t test or Mann–Whitney test. p < 0.05 was considered significant

^aDenotes significant changes between groups

^bDenotes significant changes from Baseline

The percentage of the administered surfactant found in the lungs was 40% (24–68%) in the atomization group and 87% (55–95%) in the instillation group (p < 0.001) (Table 2). In the atomization group, 13% of the surfactant was observed in the nasopharynx and 2% in the gut. In the instillation group, one animal had only 55% of the surfactant deposited in the lungs, and this was the same animal that had 15.6% of the surfactant in the nasopharynx/ET tube (Table 2). Gamma camera images of a typical piglet in the atomization and the instillation group are presented in Fig. 4. In both groups, significantly more surfactant was detected in the dependent lung (p values < 0.001; Table 2) with no significant differences in the distribution ratios between the upper and lower lungs between the two groups.

Table 2.

Deposition of surfactant at various locations.

Group	Upper lung, %	Dependent lung, %	Both lungs, %	Ratio of upper/both lungs	Nasopharynx–ET tube, %	Trachea, %	Gut, %
Atomizer	4.7 (0.8–19)	32 (23–50)	40 (24–68)	14 (3.3–35)	13 (5.5–16)	4 (3–6)	1.9 (1–17)
Instillation	9.3 (1.9–29)	66 (53–92)	87 (55–95)	11 (3.5–31)	5.4 (4.3–15.6)	3 (1–8)	2.1 (1.1–2.5)
p value	0.41	<0.001	<0.001	0.80	0.057	0.965	0.937

Deposition median [range] as a percentage of total atomized dose or total instilled dose. n = 6 in both groups

p values are calculated using t test or Mann–Whitney test

Fig. 4.

Example of a scintigram of a piglet in the atomizer group lying on the left side and one in the instillation group also lying on the left side.

The effective atomization time (the time the atomizer was on) for delivering 200 mg kg⁻¹ of surfactant, i.e., 3.3 mL (2.7–4.4 mL), was 28 min (17–52 min), corresponding to an output rate of 0.1–0.2 mL min⁻¹ in this setting.

There were significant differences in arterial blood gas measurements between groups due to inherent ventilatory dissimilarities related to study design (Table 1). At the start of the treatment, when the piglets had already been instrumented according to the protocol of the respective group, that is, either being deeper sedated and intubated in the instillation group or after placement of the oropharyngeal device in the atomization group, there was a significant difference between the two groups in PaO₂, which was higher in the intubated animals. Likewise, differences in PaO₂ (higher in instillation group, p = 0.002), PaCO₂ (lower in instillation group, p = 0.04), and pH (lower in the atomization group, p = 0.005) were also observed at the end of the treatment.

There were no significant hemodynamic (HR, MAP) differences between groups at baseline, at the start of treatment, and 15 min after treatment. Compared to baseline, there were no within-group significant changes except that CrSO₂ was lower at 1 min after the instillation of surfactant.

Discussion

We found that, with this new supraglottic atomization device, 40% of the surfactant dose atomized directly above the vocal cords of spontaneously breathing newborn piglets on nCPAP reached the lungs. It corresponds to almost half of the deposition observed in the control group that received the surfactant as direct instillation via ETT. This suggests that the new device can deliver considerable amounts of aerosolized surfactant to the lungs of spontaneously breathing subjects on nCPAP without the need for ET intubation.

Based on earlier animal studies, it has been suggested that the lung dose of surfactant needed to elicit a significant clinical effect is about 50 mg kg⁻¹.¹⁹ Despite a few pilot trials of aerosolized surfactant delivered above the glottis entrance in neonates, there are only a few experimental studies assessing lung deposition of surfactant aerosolized above the glottis (Table 3). Rahmel et al.,²⁰ using immature lambs breathing via nasal prongs, reported a lung deposition of only 1% of the administered recombinant surfactant protein-C surfactant aerosol, equivalent to 4 mg lipids per kg. The median lung deposition of 14% of the total administered poractant alfa surfactant dose (200 mg kg⁻¹) reported by our group in non-intubated term newborn piglets in nCPAP with a mesh nebulizer placed in the respiratory circuit in non-synchronized mode corresponds to 28 mg kg⁻¹ of lipids.¹⁴ Wagner et al. demonstrated that surfactant atomization could take place inside the trachea with an atomizer at the tip of a modified ETT and synchronized to the animals’ breath.²¹ Their average lung surfactant deposition using a radiolabeling technique was 86%. Nevertheless, placing the atomizer at the tip of the tube is technically challenging and does not avoid the disadvantages of ET intubation. With the presently tested breath-activated supraglottic delivery system, in premature spontaneously breathing lambs on nCPAP, using samarium (nonradioactive tracer)-labeled surfactant, Milesi et al. observed a median lung deposition of 32% of the administered dose (200 mg kg⁻¹) of poractant alfa.²² In the present study with the same atomizing device, using a well-validated and accepted method for measuring lung deposition with radioactive labeling of the administered surfactant, we show for the first time, a lung surfactant deposition over 50 mg kg⁻¹, i.e., median lipid delivery of 80 mg kg⁻¹ for a surfactant dose of 200 mg kg⁻¹. This device was conceived with the intent to avoid patient intubation, to reduce dead space, to avoid surfactant denaturalization,²³ and to work synchronously with inspiration thereby reducing surfactant losses to the upper airways and environment.

Table 3.

Animal studies on nebulization and atomization of surfactant.

Author	Year	Method	Deposition	Surfactant	Breathing	Ventilation mode	Animal
Lewis et al.26	1991	Nebulization	2.7%	Survanta	Intubated	IPPV	Lamb
Lewis et al.27	1991	Nebulization	3.6%	Survanta	Intubated	IPPV	Rabbit
Lewis et al.28	1993	Nebulization	6.1%	Survanta	Intubated	IPPV	Sheep
Dijk et al.18	1997	Nebulization	8.4%	Alveofact	Intubated	IPPV	Rabbit
Dijk et al.6	1998	Nebulization	9.8%	Alveofact	Intubated	HFV	Rabbit
Fok et al.29	1998	Nebulization	0.1–1%	Survanta/Exosurf	Intubated	IPPV	Rabbit
Wagner et al.21	2000	Atomization	86.5%	Poractant alfa	Intubated	IPPV	Rabbit
Rahmel et al.20	2012	Aerosolized	1%	rSP-C	Spontaneous	nCPAP	Lamb
Rey-Santano et al.30	2013	Aerosolized	Not reported	Poractant alfa	Intubated	IPPV	Lamb
Linnér et al.14	2015	Nebulization	14%	Poractant alfa	Spontaneous	nCPAP	Pig
Milesi et al.16	2016	Atomization	Not reported	Poractant alfa	Intubated	IPPV	Lamb
Hutten et al. 31	2015	Nebulization	Not significant	Poractant alfa	Spontaneous	nCPAP	Lamb
Milesi et al.22	2017	Atomization	32%	Poractant alfa	Spontaneous	nCPAP	Lamb
Gregory et al. 32	2019	Nebulization	11.4%	Lucinactant	Spontaneous	nCPAP	Macaque

Aerosol delivery to the lungs is influenced by many different factors related to the aerosol-generating system and the recipient. Particle size is one of the most important properties of an aerosol with an impact on its deposition and distribution in the airways. The optimal particle size for reaching the distal airways and alveoli is around 1–3 μm.²⁴ Nonetheless, in the above-mentioned study by Wagner et al., intratracheal atomization of surfactant particles with a Sauter Mean Diameter >100 μm reached similar lung deposition and distribution as instillation.²¹ Their results are probably due to a more central deposition in the larger airways with distribution to non-expanded alveoli by diffusion gradient, by capillarity, or along the surface tension gradient, factors that help to avoid losses to exhalation. The mean particle size in our study was somewhat less, with a median diameter of 40–60 μm. Even so, the generated particles were probably big enough to increase the initial deposition in the large airways reducing the losses during expiration. Furthermore, the accurate positioning of the tip of the atomizer in the supraglottic region and the synchronicity of delivery with the inspiratory flow are two other factors contributing to improved lung deposition by eliminating unwarranted losses in the upper respiratory tract, as well as losses to the atmosphere and the delivery system.

The oropharyngeal cannula was designed with a shape allowing self-positioning during the blind introduction. We confirmed the correct placement with a fiberscope before starting atomization. However, the cannula did not perfectly match the geometry of the pig’s pharynges, with the lateral dimension of the actual pharynx being larger than the one of the cannulas. This allowed an excessive degree of freedom that might have led to dislodgement of the cannula during the surfactant delivery and could be one of the sources of the inter-subject variability in the deposition rates we observed.

The median time of atomization was 28 min, with a wide range of 17–52 min. Two main factors influenced the variability of atomization time: (1) The total amount of surfactant administered as the dose was defined per kg of body weight, and (2) As surfactant atomization was synchronized with the inspiratory phase, the actual atomization time during 1 min depended on the piglet’s spontaneous respiratory rate and inspiration:expiration ratio. Moreover, animals had sometimes periodic breathing, which further impacted on the atomization time. However, there was no correlation between total deposition and the time taken to atomize the entire amount of surfactant, suggesting that atomization time did not impact on the efficiency of the atomizer.

The changes in hemodynamics and oxygenation observed during our study are most certainly inherent to the model itself. That the instillation group had a slightly lower MAP and HR at 0 time (not statistically significant) is explained by the need for deeper sedation required for animal comfort, as MAP and HR decreased at the time of intubation and remained stable afterward. In contrast with reports showing drastic changes in hemodynamics and oxygenation during surfactant instillation,²⁵ we only observed a transient fluctuation in CrSO₂. PaO₂ did not fall probably because we performed a recruitment maneuver with PEEP right after surfactant instillation. Blood gas parameters were better in the instillation group at the end of the experiment, but this is not surprising because these piglets were breathing in PS mode with an unobstructed secured airway (ETT). In the atomization group, shortly after the procedure, there was an increase in PaCO₂ and a decrease in PaO₂ corresponding to a SaO₂ around 84%, probably reflecting ventilation–perfusion mismatch due to the extra fluid volume delivered to healthy lungs. Surfactant accumulation in the large airways was also a concern. Therefore, after a few pilot experiments, we chose to split the surfactant dose into four equal aliquots intercalated with 5 min of PS ventilation to promote redistribution of the accumulated fluid and lung recruitment.

We did not observe any major complications of the delivery system itself. During the pilot studies, we tested different gas flow rates to create the aerosol. With flow rates >0.75 L min⁻¹, the piglets either decreased their breathing rate or stopped breathing (Heuring–Breuer reflex). It is difficult to speculate whether this would be of concern in human neonates with decreased lung compliance. With the sedation provided, the animals tolerated well the retro-pharyngeal airway. One of the animals developed a minor hematoma over the epiglottis.

The major limitation of our study is the use of term newborn piglets with normal lung function and normal endogenous surfactant pool under sedation/analgesia that precludes the evaluation of treatment efficacy. Owing to the presence of additional gas flow, we were not able to confidently measure tidal volume, which is an important variable in aerosol delivery. However, we indirectly monitored the work of breathing by the Edi signal obtained with the NAVA catheter and modified the level of CPAP and/or PS, to improve airway patency when needed.

In conclusion, in a model of sedated term newborn piglets on nCPAP, we showed that it was feasible to achieve a median lung deposition of 40% of the total administered dose of poractant alfa surfactant using a new device for supraglottic atomization. This is by far the highest observed lung deposition of surfactant administered above the vocal cords in the available medical literature. Delivery of atomized surfactant was completed without any major adverse events and the total amount of lipids deposited in the lungs, i.e., 80 mg kg⁻¹ was well above the amount expected to induce a significant clinical effect what has been confirmed in Milesi et al. study in preterm lambs.²²

Author contributions

All named authors have made substantial contributions to the conception and design of the study, as well as to the acquisition, interpretation, and analysis of data. A.N., R.L., D.C.-G., and V.P.-d.-S. have drafted the article that has been critically revised for important intellectual content by F.B., M.d.C., I.M., E.Z., and R.L.D. All named authors have approved the final version of the manuscript and agreed to the article’s submission to Pediatric Research.

Competing interests

Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, and Politecnico di Milano University, the home institution of I.M., E.Z., and R.L.D., own patents on the atomization of surfactant licensed to Chiesi Farmaceutici. The authors disclose off-label product use of surfactant where it is delivered by a different route of administration, an investigational device for the delivery of aerosol drugs, though indication (Respiratory Distress Syndrome, RDS) and dosage (200 mg kg⁻¹) have not been changed. Not related to this study, Politecnico di Milano University, home institution of R.L.D., I.M., and E.Z., received research funding from Chiesi Farmaceutici SpA, ACUTRONIC Medical Systems AG, RESTECH Srl, and Philips AB. The other authors declare no competing interests.