What substance decreases the mortality associated with respiratory distress syndrome?

The substance that decreases the mortality associated with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is surfactant. RDS is primarily caused by a deficiency of pulmonary surfactant, which is critical for reducing surface tension in the alveoli and maintaining their stability during breathing. In preterm infants, particularly those born before 34 weeks of gestation, the lungs may not produce enough surfactant, leading to alveolar collapse and impaired gas exchange.

Surfactant replacement therapy has been shown in numerous studies to significantly improve lung function, decrease the need for mechanical ventilation, and reduce mortality rates associated with RDS. Administering exogenous surfactant directly into the infant's airway acts to restore normal surface tension within the lungs, promoting better oxygenation and ventilation.

While oxygen therapy is important for managing hypoxemia in infants with RDS, it does not address the underlying issue of surfactant deficiency. Antibiotics are critical in cases where infection is a concern but do not have a direct role in the treatment of RDS itself. Bronchodilators may help with airway obstruction but are not effective in treating the primary pathology of RDS related to surfactant deficiency. Hence, surfactant is the key therapeutic agent that reduces mortality linked with