Is Salbutamol and Adrenalin Inhalation Effective in Management of Transient Tachypnia of Newborn?

Background: In the neonatal period, transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is the most frequent cause of early respiratory distress because of delayed resorption of lung fluid, which fills the fetal airways. The inability of the lung to switch from fluid secretion to fluid absorption and immaturity in the expression of epithelial Na+- channels (ENaC) may play an important role in the development of transient tachypnea of the newborn.

Aims: Evaluation of inhalation therapy by BETA-2 agonist salbutamol and epinephrine for the management of transient tachypnea of newborn.

Methods: The study was a prospective randomized control study. It included 60 neonates diagnosed clinically and radiologicaly as TTN. Inhaled salbutamol, epinephrine or saline 0.45% solution was administered.

Results: Comparing studied groups after intervention, highly significant lower respiratory rate, TTN scores, respiratory support and duration of hospital stay was detected in group II (salbutamol group) while no significant difference between groups regarding heart rate after 4 hours from intervention.

Conclusion: Inhaled Salbutamol resulted in better outcome in decreasing the respiratory rate, TTN clinical score, lower FIO2, higher O2 saturation, decreasing the duration of respiratory support along with the total duration of hospitalization.