Nitrogen oxide in the treatment of oxygenation failure in neonates
Hansen, T.W.
Tidsskrift for den Norske Laegeforening Tidsskrift for Praktisk Medicin Ny Raekke 115(28): 3493-3495
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-2001 PMID: 7491601 Document Number: 443876
Oxygenation problems are common in very sick infants, and involve a high risk of mortality or residual morbidity. We describe two infants with severe oxygenation difficulties. In one baby these were caused by meconium aspiration, while in the second, premature (1,500 g birth weight) infant Escherichia coli septicemia had precipitated persistent pulmonary hypertension. Inhaled nitric oxide led to immediate improvement in oxygenation, and the one infant was weaned off mechanical ventilatory support after four days, the other after ten days. There were no discernible side effects in either baby. Nitric oxide treatment should be considered for infants with life-threatening oxygenation problems who do not respond adequately to conventional management.