Inhaled beta-2 agonist salbutamol for the treatment of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of inhaled salbutamol, a beta-2 adrenergic agonist, for the treatment of transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) and to determine whether inhaled salbutamol is safe in newborn infants.

STUDY DESIGN: Inhaled salbutamol or normal saline solution was administered to 54 infants with gestational ages ranging from 34 to 39 weeks and TTN. The response to salbutamol therapy was evaluated by determining respiratory rate, clinical score of TTN, level of respiratory support, and fraction of inspired oxygen before and at 30 minutes and 1 and 4 hours after salbutamol nebulization.

RESULTS: Among the 54 infants with TTN, 32 received salbutamol and 22 received normal saline solution. After one dose, the salbutamol group showed significant improvements in respiratory rate, clinical score of TTN, fraction of inspired oxygen, and level of respiratory support (P < .05). After treatment, the mean pH, partial pressure of arterial oxygen, and partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide values were better in the salbutamol group when compared with the placebo group (P < .05). Duration of hospitalization in the neonatal intensive care unit was also shorter for the salbutamol group (P < .05).

CONCLUSION: Inhaled salbutamol treatment was effective with respect to both clinical and laboratory findings of TTN and without adverse events.