**Core Concept**
Hyaline membrane disease, also known as respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), is a condition that affects preterm neonates due to surfactant deficiency. Surfactant is a substance that reduces surface tension in the lungs, facilitating easier expansion and preventing alveolar collapse.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Surfactant replacement therapy is the primary treatment for hyaline membrane disease. The therapy involves administering exogenous surfactant to the neonate to reduce the surface tension in the lungs, thereby improving lung compliance and gas exchange. The surfactant used in clinical practice is derived from animal sources, such as bovine lung extract, or synthetic. The administration of surfactant is typically done through an endotracheal tube, and the dose and frequency may vary depending on the clinical response.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Corticosteroids are used to promote fetal lung maturity, but they are not the primary treatment for hyaline membrane disease in preterm neonates.
**Option B:** Inhaled nitric oxide is used to improve oxygenation in neonates with pulmonary hypertension, but it is not the first-line treatment for hyaline membrane disease.
**Option C:** ECMO (extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) is a rescue therapy for neonates with severe respiratory failure, but it is not the primary treatment for hyaline membrane disease.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Surfactant replacement therapy has significantly improved the mortality and morbidity rates in preterm neonates with hyaline membrane disease. However, the effectiveness of the therapy may vary depending on the gestational age and birth weight of the neonate.

**Correct Answer:** C. Surfactant replacement therapy.