Inhaled Salbutamol for the Treatment of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn

Background: Transient tachypnea of the newborn [TTN] is a common physiologic lung disorder. Stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors could alleviate the condition. Aim of the work: The study was undertaken to assess the efficacy and safety of inhaled salbutamol in reduction of TTN, oxygen treatment and hospitalization.  Patients and Methods:This clinical study included 150 [50 control group, 50 single dose of salbutamol and 50 double-doses of salbutamol] infants between 35th-39th week's gestation. Inhaled salbutamol was given and comparison between the three groups was carried out. Results: Treatable and control groups were comparable as regard neonatal and maternal characteristics. Heart rate was significantly increased in group B when compared to control group half and one hour after treatment. In addition, respiratory rate was significantly increase in group B when compared to group A at half hour after treatment and continued till 8 hours after treatment. The TTN score after treatment was significantly lower in group B when compared to group A at one hour after nebulized salbutamol and continued till 8 hours. Furthermore, time before initiation of feeding was significantly reduced in group B when compared to group A [26.72[±3.68] vs [39.66[±4.7] and also there was significant reduction of hospitalization days in group B when compared to group A [3.78 [±1.25] vs [7.36[±1.28]. Conclusion: Inhalational salbutamol reduced duration of supplemental oxygen therapy, the duration of hospitalization and time before initiation of feeding, and no adverse effects were reported. Thus, inhaled salbutamol seems to be effective and safe in TTN.