Early Surfactant Replacement Study (ESRS)

Study Purpose
The purpose of the Early Surfactant Replacement Study (ESRS) was to evaluate the effect of intubation and early surfactant administration in spontaneously breathing premature infants with signs and symptoms of respiratory distress syndrome.The study evaluated the need for mechanical ventilation during the first week of life and other complications of prematurity.

Study Design
Multicenter randomized clinical trial in 27 neonatal intensive care units of the Vermont Oxford Network.

Study Progress
The ESRS Study began enrollment of infants of birth weight 1501 to 2500 grams in June of 2000. Enrollment of 268 low birth weight infants was completed January 2003.

We would like to thank all of the Centers who participated in this project and made it so successful.

Status
The results of this study were presented at the Society for Pediatric Research in May 2003 and the Annual Meeting of Vermont Oxford Network in December 2003.

Study Sponsors
Our thanks to our sponsors: Ross Laboratories, Abbott Labs Inc.

Primary Investigators
Roger F. Soll, MD, University of Vermont College of Medicine
Jeanette M. Conner MS, PhD, Vermont Oxford Network

Steering Committee
Margot Ahronovich, MD, Inova Fairfax Hospital
Jeanette Asselin, MS, RCP, Children's Hospital Oakland
Robin Baker, MD, Inova Fairfax Hospital Cheryl Cipriani, MD, Scott and White Hospital
Michael Dunn, MD, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Joaquim M.B. Pinheiro, MD, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY
Richard J. Powers, MD, Children's Hospital Oakland, Oakland, CA