Disodium cromoglycate in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) has become the most common form of chronic lung disease in the neonate. Recently, we have experienced a severe case of BPD and examined the effect of disodium cromoglycate (DSCG) on BPD. The gestational age and birthweight of the patient were 27 weeks and 1,000 g, respectively. Although RDS subsided after surfactant replacement therapy, the arterial-alveolar oxygen tension ratio (a/APO2) gradually decreased and FiO2 increased with age, respectively, and pure oxygen supplementation was eventually required after 67 days of life. The DSCG treatment was commenced at 80 days of life. After 6 days of the inhalation therapy, a/APO2 gradually increased. After 10 days of the treatment, the baby was extubated. While the baby was intubated, intratracheal lavage fluid samples were obtained. Eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP) and polymorphonuclear (PMN) elastase concentrations were determined. ECP and PMN elastase concentrations of intratracheal lavage fluids gradually decreased with the DSCG treatment. These results may indicate that DSCG has led to an improvement of pulmonary function and facilitated weaning from mechanical ventilation in an infant with BPD.