Tolerability and Efficacy of Two Doses of Aerosolized Albuterol in
Ventilated Infants with BPD
Abstract
Rationale: Aerosolized albuterol is widely used, but its safety and
efficacy in infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (sBPD) is not
well established. Objectives: To compare the tolerability and efficacy
of two dose levels of aerosolized albuterol to saline placebo in infants
with sBPD. Methods: Single-center, multiple-crossover trial in 24
ventilated very preterm infants with sBPD. Albuterol (1.25mg, 2.5mg) and
3ml of normal saline were administered every 4 hours during separate
24-hour treatment periods assigned in random order with a 6-hour washout
phase between periods. The primary outcome was the absolute change
(post–pre therapy) in expiratory flow at 75% of exhalation (EF75).
Secondary endpoints were changes in ventilator parameters, vital signs,
and heart arrhythmia. Results: Average within subject EF75 values
improved with each therapy: saline placebo (+0.45L/min 2.5, p=0.04),
1.25mg of albuterol (+0.70L/min 2.4, p<0.001), and 2.5mg of
albuterol (+0.38L/min 2.4, p=0.06). However, 1.25mg of albuterol
(0.26L/min; 95% CI -0.19, 0.72) and 2.5mg (-0.10L/min; 95% CI -0.77,
0.57) produced similar changes in EF75 when compared to saline. All
secondary outcomes were similar between saline and 1.25mg of albuterol.
Peak inspiratory pressure needed to deliver goal tidal volumes (7.5%
relative decrease, 95% CI 2.6, 12.3) and heart rate (6.5% increase,
95% CI 2.2, 10.8) differed significantly between albuterol 2.5mg and
saline. Conclusion: Albuterol at 1.25mg and 2.5mg, compared to
aerosolized saline, did not affect EF75 in infants with sBPD receiving
invasive ventilation. Greater improvement in inspiratory pressures with
albuterol 2.5mg suggests benefit, but close heart monitoring is
indicated.