Surfactant in Lung Injury and Lung Transplantation

This monograph reviews the alterations in the endogenous surfactant system in lung injury and lung transplantation in the light of recent studies. The role of exogenous surfactant therapy in these conditions is discussed, with the aim of improving the condition of patients with respiratory failure.

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Recent studies have shown significant alterations in pulmonary surfactant in animal models of acute lung injury, in patients with ARDS and after experimental lung transplantation. Exogenous surfactant therapy has been successful in mitigating lung injury in a wide array of experimental models, including ischaemia-reperfusion lung injury. This monograph reviews the alterations in the endogenous surfactant system in lung injury and lung transplantation and discusses the role of exogenous surfactant therapy in these conditions. Innovative strategies to decrease lung injury are essential in order to improve the outcome of patients with respiratory failure.