[Treatment strategies for neonatal pulmonary morbidity in Europe]. / Prise en charge de l'immaturité pulmonaire en néonatologie: enquête sur les pratiques européennes.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: To survey practices in 14 European countries and to describe strategies for the prevention and treatment of pulmonary morbidity in very preterm newborns. METHODS: Questionnaires covering the use of prenatal steroids, surfactant and postnatal steroids were sent in 1999-2000 to every neonatal unit taking very preterm newborns in charge in population-based areas covering at least 20,000 births annually. One questionnaire was sent by surveyed unit. RESULTS: Results are given concerning these three treatments and compared to evidence based recommendations. CONCLUSION: Antenatal steroids were given at recommended terms. Surfactant was prescribed with respect of best practices. Postnatal steroids utilisation was not well described.