Looking for ideas...

Probably the most significant pharmacological event in NICU history is the invention of artificial surfactant. I wasn't a NICU nurse at the time, but the nurses I work with who were...they say it was downright unbelievable. It was a miracle medication and it drastically lowered the age of fetal viability.

Put it this way - when John F. Kennedy's son was born at 34 weeks gestation in the 60's, he died of because his lungs weren't mature. Nowadays, at least 95% of 34 weekers survive. Had he recieved just one dose of surfactant, there's a good chance he would still be around today. The age of viability is now 23-24 weeks gestation thanks to medications like this.

I'm sure there are articles out there in the medical library or on the internet discussing the history of artificial surfactant.

wow these are all great ideas...I think I'm going to go with the surfactant one because that's something I've been in awe of since I started watching Discovery Health (haha). It's so amazing how one drug can make the difference between life and death for a preemie.

I'll definitely keep you updated! Thanks so much again!

Hi, I'm a second year nursing student and for our Pharmacology class, we are allowed to do an essay for a possible 5 pts added to our final grade. We can pick any topic we want as long as it relates to Pharm, and since I'm interested in NICU nursing, I was wondering if anyone had any ideas on topics I could write about. I'm open to anything...thanks!

what about TPN and Intralipids:idea:

Another topic might be the use of Caffiene to treat Apnea of Prematurity. Also, using procrit to avoid transfusions.

Good luck and let us know how you do.

Hi prmenrs, never heard of procrit, (forgive my foreign-ness!!!) Is it an iron compound?