Inhaled procaterol for the treatment of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

BACKGROUND

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a respiratory disorder that results from inadequate or delayed clearance of fetal lung fluid following delivery. At present, supportive care is generally practiced for the treatment of TTN. In this study, we focused on inhaled beta-agonists for the treatment of TTN, and the aim was to verify the efficacy and the safety of inhaled procaterol for the treatment of TTN.

METHODS

Inhaled procaterol or normal saline solution was administered to infants. Respiratory rate and mixed venous carbon dioxide (PvCO2 ) were evaluated as the primary outcomes. The duration of hospitalization, duration of oxygen therapy, and changes in respiratory support were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven neonates diagnosed with TTN were randomly assigned to the procaterol group (n = 18) or the placebo group (n = 19). There were no differences in PvCO2 or respiratory rate between the two groups before and after intervention. Median duration of oxygen therapy (3 days; IQR, 3-6.5 days vs 2 days, IQR, 2-4.75 days; P = 0.13) and of hospitalization (15 days; IQR, 11.25-20 days vs 11 days, IQR, 8-15.5 days; P = 0.14) were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled procaterol was not effective for the treatment of TTN.