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Short- and long-term effects of furosemide on lung function in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

B Engelhardt, S Elliott, T A Hazinski

    The Journal of Pediatrics
    |December 1, 1986
    PubMed

    Insights

    Furosemide therapy can improve lung mechanics in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). However, this diuretic treatment typically does not significantly improve gas exchange, indicating limited clinical benefit for respiratory support in BPD infants.

    Area of Science:

    • Neonatal Medicine
    • Pediatric Pulmonology
    • Pharmacology

    Background:

    • Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic lung disease in infants.
    • Furosemide is a diuretic often used in BPD, but its impact on gas exchange is debated.
    • The relationship between improved lung mechanics and gas exchange in BPD infants treated with furosemide requires clarification.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To investigate the short- and long-term effects of furosemide on lung mechanics and gas exchange in infants with severe BPD.
    • To determine if improvements in lung mechanics correlate with improvements in gas exchange.

    Main Methods:

    • 16 oxygen-dependent, hypercarbic infants with severe BPD were studied.
    • Measurements included transcutaneous PO2 and PCO2, esophageal pressure, airflow, and tidal volume.
    • Infants were assessed before, 1 hour after, and after 6-10 days of furosemide therapy; a control group was also monitored.

    Main Results:

    • A single furosemide dose improved lung compliance.
    • Prolonged therapy improved compliance and resistance in the group.
    • Significant improvement in oxygenation occurred in only 6 of 16 infants; PCO2 was unaffected.
    • Changes in gas exchange did not correlate with changes in lung mechanics.

    Conclusions:

    • Long-term furosemide therapy can enhance lung mechanical properties in infants with BPD.
    • Gas exchange, a critical measure of respiratory function, is generally not improved by furosemide.
    • The clinical significance of furosemide's effect on lung mechanics alone in BPD warrants further investigation.

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