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Effective bronchodilator treatment by a simple spacer device for wheezy premature infants
B Yuksel1, A Greenough, I Maconochie
1Department of Child Health, King's College Hospital, London.
Insights
Inhaled bronchodilators significantly improved respiratory symptoms and lung function in preterm infants with recurrent wheezing. This treatment, using a simple spacer, offers a useful option for managing these common infant respiratory issues.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Neonatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Preterm infants often experience recurrent respiratory symptoms.
- Effective management strategies for these symptoms in early childhood are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of inhaled bronchodilator treatment in preterm infants with recurrent respiratory symptoms.
- To assess the impact of terbutaline on symptom scores and lung function.
Main Methods:
- A non-randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving ten preterm infants (median gestational age 30 weeks).
- Infants received either placebo or 500 micrograms terbutaline via an inhaler with a spacer device for two weeks each.
- Respiratory symptoms and lung function (functional residual capacity) were monitored.
Main Results:
- A 65% reduction in symptom scores was observed during active bronchodilator treatment compared to placebo.
- Lung function improved by 32%, indicated by an increase in functional residual capacity.
- The simple spacer device facilitated effective drug delivery.
Conclusions:
- Inhaled bronchodilator therapy, administered with a basic spacer, is beneficial for preterm infants suffering from recurrent respiratory issues.
- This approach provides a practical and effective treatment option for managing early-life respiratory problems in this vulnerable population.
Abstract:
Ten preterm infants with recurrent respiratory symptoms (median gestational age 30 weeks) were entered into a non-randomised placebo controlled trial of bronchodilator treatment at 12.5 months of age. The infants had coughed or wheezed, or both, on at least four days a week for the past month. The infants received either placebo or 500 micrograms terbutaline from an inhaler using a coffee cup as a spacer device. Each treatment was maintained for two weeks, first placebo then active drug. The symptom score was reduced by 65% during the active treatment period compared with the placebo period and this was associated with a 32% improvement in lung function, reflected in an increase in functional residual capacity. We conclude that inhaled bronchodilator treatment given with a simple spacer device is useful for preterm infants with recurrent respiratory symptoms in the first two years of life.