Calfactant: Let's learn about this special medicine given to premature babies for breathing difficulties

It is difficult to describe in words the anxiety and fear that a mother or father feels when a premature baby is born. It is especially heartbreaking when the doctors tell them that the baby is having difficulty breathing properly. So, today we are talking about a special medicine that doctors use at times like this and that helps save the lives of many babies. That is Calfactant .

Simply put, what is this Calfactant?

Imagine, a premature baby's lungs are not fully developed, to be precise. Like a flower blooming prematurely. Therefore, it is difficult for those lungs to properly perform the function of breathing on their own. In medical terms, we call this condition Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) .

Now, look, a healthy, full-term baby has a naturally occurring fluid in their lungs. This is called surfactant . Its job is to keep the tiny air sacs in the lungs, the alveoli , which are like little balloons, open and not stick together when we breathe out. This surfactant is what allows us to breathe in and out easily.

But in premature babies, the lungs produce very little or no surfactant. That's when the tiny air sacs in the lungs stick together, making it very difficult for the baby to breathe.

This medicine is usually made from natural surfactants (for example, beef lung extract), which is why it works so well.

How do we give this medicine to the baby? Should we, as parents, be afraid?

This is the biggest problem that many parents have. It's important to remember this:

• The medicine Calfactant is only given to babies in a hospital, specifically in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
• This is not a medicine to take home and give to parents.
• This is provided by pediatric specialists and a specially trained nursing staff.

The way the medicine is given is simply this: This liquid medicine is injected directly into the lungs through the endotracheal tube that is placed to help the baby breathe. During this time, the medical team closely monitors everything from the baby's heart rate , oxygen levels, and breathing patterns. So your baby is in the safest possible hands. You don't need to worry about it.

What are the possible side effects of taking the medicine?

As with any medication, there are potential side effects . But remember, the benefits to your baby from taking this medication far outweigh the risks. That's why the medical team is always on the lookout for these side effects. They are ready to treat any changes if they occur.

Let's explain this further with the table below.

These things can be scary to see. But the truth is, when giving your baby this medicine, the doctors and nurses are paying more attention to all these symptoms than you are. So don't worry.

What is our role as parents?

You may feel helpless when your baby is in the intensive care unit, but there are important things you can do.

1. Ask questions: Ask your doctor or nursing staff any questions or concerns you have about this medicine or your baby's condition. They will explain everything to you in simple terms.

2. Provide information: Tell the doctor if anyone in the family has any allergies, especially to beef. Also inform the doctor if the baby is taking any other medications.

3. Stay positive: Your mental strength is very important at this time. Trust that the medical team is doing their best.

Can this medicine interact with other medications?

There may be some interactions with some inhaled antibiotics . But you don't need to worry about this. Since all the medications given to the baby in the NICU are under the supervision of doctors, they take care of it. All you need to do is give your doctor full details about any treatment your baby is receiving elsewhere.

What happens if the medication dose is increased?

This is given in a hospital, under very strict control, so the chances of that happening are very low . The correct dosage is calculated based on the baby's weight and condition. But if something like that happens, the medical team will take the necessary steps.

Normally, if we suspect a drug poisoning, we call the National Poisons Information Center at the Colombo National Hospital . And we go to the nearest Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) . But with this medicine, parents don't have to do these things, because everything happens inside the hospital under medical supervision.