Ten-year Single Center Experience With Colistin Therapy in NICU.

BACKGROUND: Colistin, a cationic polypeptide antibiotic of the polymyxin class has come back into use due to its potent antimicrobial activity against multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacteria and the lack of new antibiotics. The purpose of this study was to assess the critically ill infants treated with colistin in our neonatal intensive care unit and to identify predisposing factors for the emergence of acute kidney injury (AKI) following colistin treatment. METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study that included infants with proven or suspected nosocomial infections in the neonatal intensive care unit of a University Hospital between January 2012 and March 2022. Over the same time period, the clinical and laboratory characteristics and outcomes of patients who received antibiotic combination with colistin were compared to patients who received antibiotic combination without colistin. RESULTS: A total of 77 patients were in the colistin group (ColG) and 77 patients were in the control group. The demographic and clinical characteristics of the study groups were similar. In the ColG compared to the control group, hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesia and AKI were all more prevalent (P < 0.05). The most important finding in our study was the higher incidence of AKI and mortality in ColG, as well as the increasing nephrotoxic effect of other medications when used in conjunction with colistin. CONCLUSION: During colistin therapy, newborn infants must be closely monitored for AKI. Clinicians should be aware of an increased incidence of hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypophosphatemia, hypomagnesia, AKI and its consequences in infants given colistin. As awareness increases, harmful effects will decrease.

The effect of drip versus intermittent feeding on splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction: a prospective randomized trial.

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of drip versus intermittent feeding on splanchnic oxygenation in preterm infants with intrauterine growth restriction. The second objective was to assess the relationship between fetal splanchnic circulation parameters and splanchnic oxygenation during the first week of life. A single-center, prospective, randomized study with 51 fetuses/infants was conducted. Fetal Doppler measurements including umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery, and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were recorded in IUGR fetuses. After preterm delivery, the infants were randomly assigned to one of two feeding modalities: drip (3-h continuous) or intermittent (bolus in 10 min). Continuous regional splanchnic saturation (rSO2S) monitoring was carried out during the first week of life, simultaneously with continuous oxygen arterial saturation (SaO2) monitoring, and the infants' fractional oxygen extractions (FOE) were calculated. These parameters were evaluated as means on a daily basis for the first week of life, as well as pre-prandial and post-prandial measurements on the seventh day. Fetal Doppler flow velocimetry disturbances were present in 72.5% of the study cohort. The drip (26 infants) and intermittent (25 infants) groups were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics, as well as the prevalence of feeding intolerance and necrotizing enterocolitis. During the first week of life, there was no difference in daily mean rSO2S and FOE values between the drip and intermittent groups, whereas unfed infants had mostly lower rSO2S values. Pre-prandial and post-prandial rSO2S values remained stable in both groups. Also, no association was detected between fetal splanchnic circulation parameters and neonatal splanchnic oxygenation. RSO2S values were strongly correlated to gestational age and birth weight. During the whole week, except for the first 2 days, infants with umbilical catheters had significantly lower rSO2S values than infants without.  Conclusion: Our data suggest that the key factor in splanchnic oxygenation is feeding, not the feeding modality. In addition, the umbilical vein catheter had a negative impact on splanchnic oxygenation.  Clinical Trial Registration: The Effect of Neonatal Feeding Modalities on Splanchnic Oxygenation, NCT05513495,  https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results cond=&term=NCT05513495&cntry=TR&state=&city=&dist= . Retrospectively registered, date of registration: August 2022. What is Known: • It is known that preterm infants with IUGR are at increased risk of hypoxic-ischemic intestinal damage and impaired splanchnic oxygenation. What is New: • The key factor in splanchnic oxygenation of preterm infants with IUGR is feeding, not the feeding modality (drip or intermittent). • In addition, the umbilical vein catheter had a negative impact on splanchnic oxygenation.

Assessment of foetal ventriculomegaly from prenatal to early postnatal period: a single-centre retrospective cohort study.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the early neonatal outcomes of cases with foetal ventriculomegaly (VM) and to investigate the aetiological and prognostic factors according to the degree of VM in a single tertiary referring centre. The medical records of 87 foetuses diagnosed with VM (≥10 mm) within 6 years were evaluated. Postnatal evaluation and early neonatal prognosis were determined in 39 cases divided into two groups as mild (10-15 mm, 30 cases) and severe (>15 mm, 9 cases) according to the ventricular size. The mean gestational age at which foetal VM was detected was 22 + 3 weeks. In terms of severity, severe cases of VM were more frequent in terminated pregnancies. There was no difference in gestational age, birth weight, fifth minute Apgar scores, or cord blood gases between mild and severe cases at delivery. Isolated VM was detected in 63% of mild and 22% of severe cases. In severe cases, the need for intensive care and surgery was higher than in mild cases. Antenatal VM regressed in 50% of mild cases and 22% of severe cases. Increasing knowledge about neonatal prognosis, the factors involved in aetiology, and the degree of VM will guide the management of foetal VM.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known in this subject? Some cases of foetal VM resolve spontaneously, and postnatal ultrasonography can detect normal ventricle sizes. While 74.6% of isolated VM cases show spontaneous regression, this rate is 52.1% in nonisolated cases. The gestational week at the time of diagnosis, the degree and cause of VM, intrauterine progression and the presence of any genetic, infectious, cerebral, or extracerebral disorders all influence the prognosis.What do the results of this study add? Antenatal VM regressed in 50% of mild cases and 22% of severe cases. In severe cases, the need for intensive care and surgery was higher than in mild cases. The higher frequency of accompanying cerebral findings in severe cases was striking.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The current study revealed that isolated VM with ventricular diameter less than 15 mm, after excluding out chromosomal abnormalities and prenatal infections, and no prior history of VM, has a favourable neonatal prognosis in terms of mortality and morbidity. In cases of foetal VM, increased knowledge of neonatal prognosis will guide pregnancy care and postnatal follow-up planning. Prospective multicentre studies on the neonatal period are required to bridge the gap between foetal VM and long-term consequences.

The relationship of foetal superior mesenteric artery blood flow and the time to first meconium passage in newborns with late-onset foetal growth restriction.

This study aimed to assess the relationship between the foetal superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Doppler and the time to first meconium passage (FMP) in foetuses with late-onset foetal growth restriction. This single-centre, prospective, observational, cohort study included 57 patients with late-onset FGR. The newborn infants were divided into two groups: preterm (36.8%) and term (63.2%). The time to FMP of the infants was compared to the foetal SMA parameters obtained within a week before delivery. The median time to FMP was similar between two groups (p = .31). The SMA pulsatility index (PI) was higher in the preterm group (p < .01). There was no correlation between foetal SMA PI or resistance index and time to FMP. In late-onset FGR infants, our study found no association between SMA Doppler measurements and time to FMP. However, a significant difference was detected in SMA PI between preterm and term infants. Impact StatementWhat is already known in this subject? Foetal growth restriction (FGR) can affect splanchnic circulation of the foetus and this alteration can be associated with some disorders including necrotising enterocolitis.What do the results of this study add? Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) Doppler indices are not associated with first meconium passage in neonates with late-onset foetal growth restriction. The pulsatility index of SMA is significantly higher in foetuses delivered before term.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? Further research should be conducted to investigate the relationship between foetal SMA Doppler indices and neonatal gastrointestinal morbidities in foetuses with early onset FGR with Doppler anomalies. These studies can shed light from the prenatal to the postnatal period, allowing clinicians to predict potential problems and take precautions.

Questioning the adequacy of standardized vitamin D supplementation protocol in very low birth weight infants: a prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Preterm infants are at increased risk for vitamin D deficiency (VDD). We aimed to assess the adequacy of standardized vitamin D supplementation protocol in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Additionally, vitamin D status of mother/infant couples and the associations between vitamin D status at birth and morbidities of the infants were investigated. METHODS: In this single-center, prospective cohort study blood samples were collected from 55 mothers just before delivery and from their infants at birth and on the 30th day of life (DOL) for 25 hydroxy vitamin D (25OHD) measurements. Vitamin D was initiated in dose of 160 IU/kg by parenteral nutrition on the first DOL and oral vitamin D supplementation (400 IU/day) was administered when enteral feedings reached 50% of total intake or on the 15th DOL. RESULTS: The median 25OHD levels of the infants were 16.12 (9.14-20.50) in cord blood and 36.32 (31.10-44.44) in venous blood on the 30th DOL (p<0.01). In 98% of the VLBW infants 25OHD reached sufficient levels on the 30th DOL. None of the mothers had sufficient vitamin D levels (25OHD >30 ng/mL). Maternal 25OHD levels were correlated with the 25OHD levels of the infants in cord blood (r=0.665, p<0.001). There was a significant difference in mean cord 25OHD levels between winter (13.65 ± 5.69 ng/mL) and summer seasons (19.58 ± 11.67 ng/mL) (p=0.021). No association was found between neonatal morbidity and vitamin D status. CONCLUSIONS: The results clearly show that by utilizing the current supplementation protocol, the majority of VLBW infants with deficient/insufficient serum 25OHD levels reached sufficient levels on the 30th DOL. Furthermore, vitamin D levels in mother/infant couples were found to be highly correlated.

A single dose of aminophylline administration during therapeutic hypothermia; does it make a difference in glomerular filtration rate?

Aminophylline has been demonstrated to be effective in improving renal functions of the infants suffering from acute kidney injury (AKI) due to perinatal asphyxia. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a single-dose aminophylline on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), urine output (UO), and incidence and severity of AKI according to the pediatric-modified RIFLE and neonatal RIFLE criteria in newborns with perinatal asphyxia under therapeutic hypothermia. This was a single-center, retrospective cohort study including newborns (gestational age ≥36 weeks) who underwent therapeutic hypothermia due to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy between 2016 and 2019. Demographic and clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records and patient files. Two patient groups were established: aminophylline group and control group which were only under therapeutic hypothermia. Twenty-one newborns were in the aminophylline group and 13 newborns were in the control group. Our study revealed that on the third day of life (DOL), eGFR was significantly higher in the control group (p=0.025), but UO was significantly higher in the aminophylline group (p=0.021). In the aminophylline group, eGFR on the first DOL was higher than the value on the second DOL (p=0.017) while UO was higher on the second and third DOL compared to the first DOL (1-2 DOL p=0.006, and 1-3 DOL p=0.004). However, in the control group, there was no statistically significant difference in UO over the four DOL. Both groups were similar in the presence, severity, and outcome of AKI.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that aminophylline increases UO even in the infants under therapeutic hypothermia. However, the eGFR did not significantly increase in the aminophylline group. Understanding how therapeutic hypothermia affects pharmacokinetics may help us improve our results in future studies. What is known: • Therapeutic hypothermia (TH) reduces the incidence of acute kidney injury in asphyxiated newborns. • Aminophylline is effective in improving renal functions in asphyxiated newborns. What is new: • This is the first study evaluating the effect of a single dose of aminophylline on renal functions in newborns under TH. • A single dose of aminophylline administration in newborns under TH was associated with increased urine output especially on the third day of life. However, no significant increase was detected in glomerular filtration rate associated with aminophylline administration.

The Relationship of Breastfeeding Patterns in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Maternal Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression.

Background: The studies related to psychiatric disorders have demonstrated high frequency of maternal stress, anxiety, and postpartum depression in mothers who have infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). It is well known that maternal anxiety and depression adversely affect breastfeeding. The research aims to examine the association between the anxiety and depressive symptom severity of NICU mothers and feeding type (exclusively breastfed [EBF] or mixed fed [MF]) of their infants within first week of life in NICU. Methods: Data were collected from 93 mothers and 105 infants in a single-center, prospective, cross-sectional, descriptive study. The state-trait anxiety and depressive symptom severity of NICU mothers were evaluated using the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI, including Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-State [STAI-S], Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-Trait [STAI-T]), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Results: Breastfeeding exclusivity in NICU infants was significantly related to gestational age, birth weight, prenatal steroid, and assisted reproductive technology (ART; p = 0.022, 0.041, 0.028, 0.017, respectively). The comparison of STAI-S, STAI-T, and EPDS scores of NICU mothers between EBF and MF groups revealed that STAI-T score was significantly high in EBF group than that in the MF group (p = 0.019). Logistic regression analyses showed that a 1-unit increase in STAI-T score in NICU mothers was significantly associated with a 5.7% increase in the odds of breastfeeding exclusivity within first week in postpartum period (p = 0.033; odds ratio = 1.057, 95% confidence interval = 1.004-1.113). Conclusions: Contrary to estimates, clinically significant state and trait anxiety symptoms and depressive symptoms of NICU mothers do not affect breastfeeding exclusivity negatively within first week of life in NICU. Preterm infants under 32 gestational weeks and infants born with ART have a tendency to being EBF.

Hypoxic-ischemic enterocolitis: a proposal of a new terminology for early NEC or NEC-like disease in preterm infants, a single-center prospective observational study.

We aimed to investigate the role of hypoxia-ischemia in the pathophysiology of early NEC/NEC like disease (ENEC) and classic NEC/NEC like disease (CNEC) in preterm infants. In this pilot study, preterm infants who developed the clinical symptoms and signs of NEC/NEC like disease were divided into two groups as early (≤ 7 days, ENEC) or late (> 7 days, CNEC) groups. Beside clinical variables, serum L-lactate, endothelin-1 (ET-1), platelet activating factor (PAF), and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) levels were measured from umbilical/peripheric venous blood in the first hour of life and during the clinical presentation in all groups. A total of 86 preterm infants were enrolled in the study. In the ENEC group, the incidences of fetal umbilical artery Doppler velocimetry abnormalities, IUGR, and delayed passage of first meconium were higher. In addition, mean levels of L-lactate, ET-1, PAF, and I-FABP were higher in the first hour of life.Conclusion: Our study firstly showed that the dominant pathophysiological factor of ENEC is prenatal hypoxic-ischemic event where intestinal injury and inflammation begin in-utero and become clinically apparent in the first week of life. Therefore, we propose a new term "Hypoxic-Ischemic Enterocolitis (HIEnt)" for the definition of ENEC in preterm infants with prenatal hemodynamic disturbances and IUGR. This new sight can provide individualized preventive and therapeutic strategies for preterm infants.What is Known:• The pathophysiology of early necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or NEC-like disease which is seen in the first week of life seems different than classic necrotizing enterocolitis (CNEC) which is always seen after the first week of life.What is New:• This study suggests that perinatal hypoxic-ischemic process with inflammation is the point of origin of fetal intestinal injury leading to ENEC.• We propose a new term "Hypoxic-Ischemic Enterocolitis (HIEnt)" for the definition and differentiation of this unique clinical entity.

Oxidant and antioxidant status in neonatal proven and clinical sepsis according to selenium status.

BACKGROUND: Selenium is a trace element required for the functioning of the immune system. Neonatal sepsis is a serious condition leading to morbidity and mortality in neonates worldwide. The purpose of this study was to measure selenium and plasma selenoprotein P (SePP), selenoenzyme activity, and alterations in oxidant/antioxidant status with immune biomarkers in neonates with clinical (n = 27) and proven neonatal sepsis (n = 25). METHODS: Erythrocyte selenium and SePP; plasma lipid peroxidation (LP), protein oxidation and total antioxidant capacity and erythrocyte total glutathione (GSH) concentration; erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), catalase (CAT) and total superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured spectrophotometrically/spectrofluorometrically. Plasma interleukin 2 and 6 were also measured. RESULTS: Erythrocyte selenium and SePP were markedly lower both in the clinical and proven sepsis groups versus control. Erythrocyte GPx activity was higher only in the clinical sepsis group. TrxR activity was markedly lower in proven sepsis. SOD activity and GSH were markedly higher both in clinical sepsis and in proven sepsis. CAT activity was significantly higher both in clinical sepsis and in proven sepsis. LP and protein oxidation were significantly higher in both of the sepsis groups. CONCLUSIONS: Both selenium-dependent and selenium-independent blood redox systems were altered in sepsis, suggesting that sepsis causes an imbalance between cellular antioxidant and oxidant states.

A new approach to an old hypothesis; phototherapy does not affect ductal patency via PGE2 and PGI2.

OBJECTIVE: Numerous investigations have demonstrated that phototherapy (PT) directly or indirectly causes ductal patency by photorelaxation effect. In this observational study, we aimed to assess the effect of PT on the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) together with prostaglandins (PGE2) and (PGI2) levels in preterm infants. METHODS: Preterm infants whose gestational age<34 weeks and who required PT in the first 3 d of life were enrolled in this prospective study. The clinical signs of PDA, the data of detailed echocardiographic study were recorded and plasma PGE2 and PGI2 levels were measured before and after PT. The outcome measures were the status of ductus arteriosus and alterations of PGE2 and PGI2 levels under the effect of PT. RESULTS: A total of 44 preterm infants were enrolled in the study, of these 21 (47.7%) were in Group 1 (Non-PDA Group) and 23 (52.3%) were in Group 2 (PDA Group). After PT, ductal reopening occurred in three infants (14.3%) in Group 1, while ductus closed in four infants in Group 2 (17.3%). PT does not seem to effect ductal patency for both groups (p=0.250 and p=0.125, respectively). PGE2 levels were not different before and after PT for both groups (p=0.087, p=0.408, respectively). However, PGI2 levels were significantly decreased after PT in both groups (p=0.006, and p=0.003, respectively). CONCLUSION: There was no effect of PT on ductal patency. We can conclude that PGs were eliminated simultaneously with ductal closure and photorelaxation effect did not influence PG levels.

Vesiculopustular eruption in neonatal transient myeloproliferative disorder.

Transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) typically presents with pancytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and immature circulating white blood cells, and affects approximately 10 % of neonates with Down syndrome. The authors report a neonate with Down syndrome who developed acute widespread pustular eruptions as a sign of TMD. The white blood cell counts on the first day of life were markedly elevated, with blasts seen on examination of the peripheral blood smear. And the patient was noted to have a few erythematous papules and pustules especially on the face. On the following days pathergy positive crusted papules and pustules were increased and spread to trunk and extremities. Skin biopsy specimens showed pustular dermatitis, with subcorneal vesiculopustules and perivascular inflammation in superficial dermis. These lesions improved parallel with the hematologic improvement within two weeks. The authors aim to alert clinicians about this uncommon cause of vesiculopustular eruption with the present illustrative case and review the literature.

A preterm infant with intractable metabolic acidosis: a devastating presentation of Chryseobacterium meningosepticum meningitis.

Sepsis-related mortality and morbidity are the leading issues that neonatal intensive care units struggle with worldwide. We report a preterm infant with septic shock and intractable metabolic acidosis whose postmortem microbiologic examination revealed Chryseobacterium meningosepticum meningitis. We would like to alert clinicians about this uncommon sepsis agent, and to call into question the treatment modalities for metabolic acidosis.

Phototherapy rash in newborn infants: does it differ between conventional and light emitting diode phototherapy?

Data comparing the cutaneous side effects of light emitting diode (LED) phototherapy (LP) and conventional phototherapy (CP) devices in jaundiced newborn infants are very limited. We investigated the incidence and extent of skin eruptions caused by different phototherapy devices in preterm infants who are more prone to neonatal jaundice. This prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Hacettepe University Ihsan Dogramaci Childrens' Hospital in Ankara, Turkey. Preterm infants without skin lesions before and requiring phototherapy in the first week of life were included in the study. The infants were randomly assigned to receive CP or LP and were monitored closely for skin eruptions during phototherapy. Fifty-eight infants were included in the study: 25 (43.1%) received CP while 33 (56.9%) received LP. The duration of phototherapy was similar in the two groups (30.4 ± 9.6 hours and 31.8 ± 15.6 hours, respectively). Baseline and control bilirubin levels were similar for the two groups (p = 0.101 and p = 0.105, respectively). The frequency of skin eruptions was 36% in the CP group and 33% in the LP group (p = 0.83). The skin eruptions were macules in 13 (22.4%), papules in 5 (8.6%), and maculopapular rashes in 2 (3.4%) infants.There were no differences in the incidence and extent of skin eruptions in preterm infants who received CP or LP.

Prenatal-onset Niemann-Pick type C disease with nonimmune hydrops fetalis.

Niemann-Pick type C (NPC; OMIM 257219) disease is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder characterized by accumulation of unesterified cholesterol in the lysosomal/late endosomal system. This autosomal recessive disorder occurs in approximately 1/150,000 births. The broad clinical spectrum ranges from a prenatal severe presentation to an adult-onset chronic neurodegenerative disease. Data about prenatal presentation of NPC are limited. A female newborn was born at 34(2) weeks' gestation with a birth weight of 3070 g, and transferred to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit because of nonimmune hydrops fetalis (NIHF) and respiratory distress. On admission, a physical examination revealed skin edema, mild respiratory distress, and abdominal distention due to massive ascites. Hepatosplenomegaly and cholestasis increased progressively and bleeding diathesis occurred. Results of an abdominal ultrasonography showed hepatosplenomegaly and segmental multicystic dysplastic left kidney. Foamy cells with a lysosomal phospholipid storage pattern compatible with NPC were found in the bone marrow smear. Cultured fibroblasts showed a strongly elevated filipin staining (classical NPC cellular phenotype), establishing the diagnosis of NPC. The infant died on the 52(nd) day of life because of respiratory distress due to lung involvement of NPC, massive ascites, and progressive liver failure. Results of an autopsy showed multiorgan storage disease involving the liver, spleen, lymph nodes, thymus, lungs, and brain. Here, we present a preterm infant with NIHF as a sign of severe prenatal-onset NPC and review the literature.

Feeding intolerance in preterm infants fed with powdered or liquid formula: a randomized controlled, double-blind, pilot study.

UNLABELLED: Feeding intolerance (FI) is usually defined as "gastric residual volume of more than 50 % of the previous feeding volume, emesis, abdominal distension or both of these symptoms and a decrease, delay or discontinuation of enteral feedings." We aimed to compare the incidence of FI in preterm infants fed with powdered or liquid infant formula, and in a prospective, double-blind, pilot study, 78 preterm infants were randomized to receive powdered or liquid form of the same preterm infant formula. The primary outcomes were the incidence of FI in both groups. The pH of gastric fluids was measured in the fasting and postprandial periods on the seventh day of life, and gastrointestinal complications were recorded during the hospitalization period. The incidence of FI was significantly higher in infants fed with liquid formula (n = 34) when compared with infants fed with powdered formula (n = 44) [9 (26.5 %) vs 2 (4.5 %), p < 0.01, respectively]. The median fasting gastric fluid pH was significantly lower and postprandial gastric fluid pH was significantly higher than in infants fed with powdered formula (2.9 vs 3.4, p < 0.01 and 6.0 vs 5.9, p < 0.05 respectively). Infants fed with liquid formula regained birth weight significantly later than infants fed with powdered formula (9.5 vs 8.0 days, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Although the exact mechanisms are not clear, increased incidence of FI and delayed growth in the first weeks of life in preterm infants fed with liquid formula might be caused by altered gastric acidity or possible disrupted protein bioavailability due to different production and sterilization processes.

Surfactant therapy in late preterm infants: respiratory distress syndrome and beyond.

A significant ratio of late preterm infants receives surfactant therapy (ST) for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and for other neonatal lung diseases characterized by surfactant inactivation or dysfunction. We aimed to investigate the clinical and therapeutic characteristics and outcomes of late preterm infants who received ST in the last 10 years in our neonatal intensive care unit. During the 10-year period, 77 late preterm infants received ST. The underlying lung diseases were RDS in 51 (66.2%), congenital pneumonia in 15 (19.5%), congenital diaphragmatic hernia in 4 (5.2%), pulmonary edema due to hydrops fetalis in 4 (5.2%), and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in 3 (3.9%) infants. Pulmonary hypertension was a significant predictive factor for mortality. Although RDS was the main cause of respiratory failure in late preterm infants, other lung diseases leading to surfactant dysfunction were not rare; therefore, ST should be considered as a life-saving treatment.