Dose-related bronchodilator response to aerosolized salbutamol (albuterol) in ventilator-dependent premature infants.
We used a placebo-controlled standardized protocol to define the dose-response relationship to the beta-adrenergic bronchodilator salbutamol (albuterol) in 10 ventilator-dependent premature infants at a postnatal age of 13.3 +/- 4.9 days. Passive respiratory system resistance and compliance were measured at baseline and 10 minutes after administration of salbutamol via a metered-dose inhaler and spacer device. Salbutamol caused a significant dose-related response with a 33% mean decrease in respiratory system resistance (p less than 0.05) and a 67% mean increase in respiratory system compliance (p less than 0.001). In seven and six patients, respectively, 100 micrograms of salbutamol caused significant improvement in resistance and compliance; 200 micrograms was required in the remainder, but one patient had no improvement in compliance. Oxygen saturation increased linearly with the increase in compliance. In 7 of the 10 infants, the duration of action of 200 micrograms of salbutamol on the following day was 3 hours. We conclude that bronchodilator treatment may be useful in the management of ventilator-dependent neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.
Denjean
A
A
Laboratory of Physiology INSERM CJF 89.09, Clamart, France.
Guimaraes
H
H
Migdal
M
M
Miramand
J L
JL
Dehan
M
M
Gaultier
C
C
D000336:Aerosols; D000420:Albuterol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016084:Bronchoconstriction / Q000187:drug effects*; D001997:Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / Q000628:therapy*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000628:therapy*; D015656:Respiratory Mechanics / Q000187:drug effects
D000336:Aerosols; D000420:Albuterol