Physiologic effects of terbutaline on pulmonary function of infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

This study defines the physiologic changes in pulmonary mechanics induced by subcutaneous terbutaline administration in ventilator‐dependent infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Eight such infants (mean ± SEM weight = 2.56 ± 0.32kg, postnatal age = 13.0 ± 3.2 weeks) were chosen for the study. Pulmonary mechanics and arterial blood gases were measured in the control state and at 30 and 60 minutes following the subcutaneous injection of 5 μg/kg terbutaline. There was a significant (p < 0.001) improvement in lung compliance from baseline values at 30 minutes and at 60 minutes (38%). A significant (p < 0.05) decrease of 23% in the average pulmonary resistance at 30 minutes and a 26% decrease at 60 minutes from control values were observed. An increase in the I/E ratio occurred in all patients at 60 minutes (p < 0.01). In addition, clinical improvement was noted in six of eight infants. Administration of terbutaline demonstrated a significant improvement in the pulmonary mechanics of infants with severe BPD.