Final answer:
Surfactant replacement therapy is vital for neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome, as it helps to manage obstructions in the airways, prevents alveolar collapse, and supports lung function disrupted by meconium. This treatment complements other supportive measures like resuscitation and ventilation to improve newborns' survival and health.
Step-by-step explanation:
Neonates with meconium aspiration syndrome should indeed receive surfactant replacement therapy. Meconium aspiration can lead to various complications for newborns, including obstructed airways, alveolar collapse, and interference with the normal surfactant function essential for lung operation. The inhalation of meconium by the newborn can strip surfactant from the lungs, increasing vulnerability to pulmonary infections such as pneumonia.
Medical advancements, particularly the introduction of pulmonary surfactant therapy, have significantly reduced mortality in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) by 50 percent. In cases of RDS and meconium aspiration, treatments may also include resuscitation, intubation, application of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), as well as possibly corticosteroids, supplemental oxygen, and assisted ventilation. Supportive therapies like temperature regulation, nutritional support, and antibiotics are essential to ensure these infants start their lives with the best possible chance of recovery and good health.