Question

The most viable option for infants born with surfactant protein B deficiency is:

a) Mechanical ventilation
b) Corticosteroid therapy
c) Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)
d) Surfactant replacement therapy

Answer 1

Surfactant replacement therapy is the most viable treatment option for infants born with surfactant protein B deficiency, as it directly addresses the underlying issue and is crucial for proper lung function.

Step-by-step explanation:

The most viable option for infants born with surfactant protein B deficiency is d) Surfactant replacement therapy. Surfactant works like a detergent, reducing the surface tension in the airways and allowing for easier lung inflation, which is crucial for babies who are born prematurely and may not yet produce enough of this critical substance. While other treatments such as mechanical ventilation, corticosteroid therapy, and ECMO may support the infant's breathing, surfactant replacement directly addresses the underlying deficiency and is central to the management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).