According to the European Consensus Guidelines

Surfactant replacement therapy has revolutionised neonatal respiratory care over the past two decades. Whether given prophylactically or as rescue therapy to newborns with or at risk of developing respiratory distress syndrome, it reduces the incidence of air leaks and improves survival.[1-5] It has also been shown to improve ventilation and oxygenation in the rst 48- 72 hours aer birth.[6