The effect of tolazoline on right-to-left shunting via a patent ductus arteriosus in meconium aspiration syndrome.

Since arterial blood oxygen tensions are used in the evaluation of treatment of patients with meconium aspiration syndrome, it is important to recognize the occurrence of significant right-to-left shunting via a patent ductus arteriosus. The clinical findings, evidence of right-to-left ductus shunting, and outcome in eight patients with meconium aspiration syndrome are presented. Administration of tolazoline HCl and curare produced a beneficial effect on their PaO2 values.