Aerosolized furosemide in the treatment of acute respiratory distress and possible bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm neonates.

OBJECTIVE

To review the efficacy and safety of inhaled furosemide in the treatment of acute respiratory distress and possible bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm neonates receiving ventilator and oxygen support.

DATA SOURCES: A MEDLINE search was performed from January 1966 to December 1998 using the key words inhaled or aerosolized furosemide, BPD, preterm, neonate, and infant newborn.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All clinical trials involving the use of inhaled furosemide in ventilator- and oxygen-dependent preterm neonates with acute respiratory distress and possible BPD were evaluated.

DATA SYNTHESIS: Inhaled furosemide 1 and 2 mg/kg has improved pulmonary function in preterm neonates without significant adverse effects. However, only a single dose of inhaled furosemide was used in these trials, and pulmonary functions were monitored for only two or four hours after administration.

CONCLUSIONS

Inhaled furosemide may be effective, but studies are needed to determine the optimal dosage regimen and long-term risks and benefits of its use in these patients.