Lucinactant
Lucinactant (pronounced loo-sin-ak-tant) is a synthetic pulmonary surfactant used in the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). It is a liquid medication that is instilled directly into the lungs through a breathing tube.
Etymology
The term "Lucinactant" is derived from the Latin words "lucis" meaning light and "nactant" meaning swimming. This is in reference to the drug's ability to help newborns "swim" or breathe more easily in the "light" of life outside the womb.
Usage
Lucinactant is used to treat or prevent respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in newborn babies. RDS is a serious lung disease that occurs in babies who are born prematurely. It is caused by a lack of a certain naturally occurring substance (surfactant) in the lungs. Lucinactant works by lowering the surface tension of the fluids in the lungs, helping the lungs to inflate and deflate with ease.
Related Terms
- Surfactant: A substance that decreases surface tension. In the lungs, surfactant helps keep the air sacs from collapsing.
- Respiratory Distress Syndrome: A breathing disorder that affects newborns, usually those who are born more than 6 weeks before their due dates.
- Premature Birth: Birth that happens too early, before 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Lucinactant include bradycardia (slow heart rate), oxygen desaturation (low blood oxygen levels), and endotracheal tube reflux. Serious side effects may include severe allergic reactions. It is important to monitor the baby closely while they are receiving this medication.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Lucinactant
- Wikipedia's article - Lucinactant
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