Conclusion
Relative to measured pre-treatment values, aerosolized albuterol and saline produced post-treatment improvements in the primary study outcome of EF75 in preterm infants with sBPD receiving invasive mechanical ventilation. However, albuterol administered at 1.25 mg or 2.5 mg did not significantly improve EF75 when compared to saline placebo. Relative to saline placebo, albuterol at a dose of 2.5 mg did result in a modest decrease in the PIP required to deliver the set tidal volume, suggesting a possible benefit for reducing airway resistance. Notably, some infants experienced self-limited increases in heart rate after administration of this higher dose suggesting close monitoring of vital signs is indicated.