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.