We know how scary it can be for a mother or father when the doctor tells them that their little one is having trouble breathing. This can be especially true if the baby was born prematurely, meaning premature. So today we are talking about a very important medicine that can save a child's life at such times. That is Poractant Alfa.
Simply put, what is Poractant Alfa?
Poractant Alfa is a special medicine that is given to treat and prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) , a condition in premature babies that occurs when their lungs are not fully developed.
Imagine that inside our lungs there are millions of tiny air sacs (medically called alveoli) . When we breathe in, these expand and contract when we breathe out. Instead of these tiny air sacs sticking together and contracting, our lungs produce a natural fluid that helps them expand easily. This is what we call surfactant .
The problem with premature babies is that their lungs are not mature enough to produce this liquid called surfactant. Then those little air sacs stick together, making it very difficult for the baby to breathe, and they have to work very hard. Poractant Alfa is, to be precise, an artificial surfactant that is given from outside to replace this reduced natural surfactant. When this medicine gets into the lungs, it easily opens those stuck air sacs, making it easier for the baby to breathe.
Simply put, this is a great help to the baby's lungs. It gives them the strength to do their job properly.
How do you give this medicine to a child?
This is not a home remedy. It is given by a team of trained doctors in the hospital, especially in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) .
A small tube (breathing tube) is inserted into the airway to help the baby breathe. This is where the liquid medicine is injected directly into the lungs. This is not painful for the baby. The doctors and nurses continuously monitor everything, including the baby's heart rate and oxygen levels, during this treatment. So your baby is in very safe hands.
Are there any things I need to inform the doctor about before treatment?
Yes. Although the medical team will usually ask you about this, it is very important to inform them of the following:
- Allergies: The child or someone in the family has an allergy to Poractant Alfa, pork products, Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives. (This medicine is made from an extract obtained from pig lungs, so it is important to be aware of any allergies to pork-related products.)
- Mother's condition: If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, also inform the medical team.
Since this medicine is given to newborns, this information is obtained from you, the parents. So discuss all the information you know with the doctor.
What happens if the medication dose is increased?
Since this is a medication administered under medical supervision in a hospital, there is no risk of overdose. If there is any suspicion that this has happened in any way, the medical team will immediately inform the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital or the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . Since this is not a medication to be taken home, you do not need to be afraid of it.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medication, this can sometimes cause side effects. But remember, your child is under the direct supervision of doctors and nurses 24 hours a day. So if anything changes, they are always ready to take the necessary measures.
Below are some of the side effects that you should pay attention to immediately. If you notice any of these, the medical team will take immediate action.
| Side effect | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Allergic Reactions | Symptoms such as skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Decreased heart rate or low blood pressure | The baby's skin or lips become pale, blue, or purple. Unusual weakness. Cold hands and feet. |
| Bleeding in the brain | Changes in breathing patterns, loud crying, swelling or bulging of the soft parts of the head (the forehead), and seizures. |
This list does not include all side effects. And they may not occur in every child. These are very rare conditions. The important thing is for the medical team to be constantly alert for these symptoms.
Can there be problems with other medications?
This medicine may interact with some inhaled antibiotics . However, the medical team is aware of all the medicines your child is taking, so they will take the necessary precautions. Tell your doctor about any other vitamins, supplements, or herbal remedies you are giving your child.
Take-Home Message
- Poractant Alfa is a very important, life-saving drug that helps premature babies develop their lungs.
- This is given in a hospital, under the supervision of a team of specialist doctors, so your child is safe.
- This medicine prevents the small air sacs (alveoli) in the child's lungs from sticking together, making breathing easier.
- If your child or anyone in your family has an allergy to pork products, it is imperative to inform the doctor.
- Although there is a possibility of side effects, don't worry about it as the child will be monitored 24 hours a day in the intensive care unit.
- If you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about this treatment, discuss them openly with your doctor. They will explain everything to you.
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