Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn treated with magnesium sulfate in premature neonates
Wu, T.J.; Teng, R.J.; Tsou, K.I.
Pediatrics 96(3 Pt 1): 472-474
1995
ISSN/ISBN: 0031-4005 PMID: 7651780 Document Number: 451237
Objective: To evaluate the clinical effects of magnesium sulfate (MgSO-4) in the treatment of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in premature infants. Methods: This was a prospective, nonrandomized, clinical study. Seven premature neonates with PPHN were treated with MgSO-4 as soon as documentation of an interatrial right-to-left shunt was made. A loading dose of 200 mg/kg was infused over 30 minutes, followed by a maintenance dose of 20 to 50 mg/kg/h. Alveolar-arterial oxygen tension difference (AaDO-2) and oxygenation index were followed up sequentially as the primary outcome measures. Blood pressures and serum electrolytes were also monitored. Results: Six cases responded clinically. The decrease of AaDO-2 reached significance at 36 hours, but the decrease of oxygenation index was not significant over 72 hours. Four infants survived. No significant side effects were encountered. Conclusion: Our results suggest that MgSO-4 may be considered as an alternative treatment of PPHN in premature infants.