Antenatal ambroxol treatment does not prevent the respiratory distress syndrome in premature infants.

Abstract

UNLABELLED:

The effectiveness of ambroxol in the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and in reducing the need for intermittent mandatory ventilation and oxygen therapy was studied in 88 mothers whose infants was born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation and who were randomized either for treatment with ambroxol (group A = 42) or served as control (group B = 46). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age, birth weight or Apgar score between the two groups. We found no significant differences in occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome (55% vs 45%), in support by intermittent mandatory ventilation (71% vs 72%) or oxygen therapy (74% vs 75%) at 12 h of age between groups A and B.

CONCLUSION:

This study does not suggest the efficacy of antenatal ambroxol treatment both for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and for the reduction of its severity.

• Authors: C Dani, P V Grella, L Lazzarin, F F Rubaltelli
• Journal: European journal of pediatrics (Eur J Pediatr) Vol. 156 Issue 5 Pg. 392-3 (May 1997) ISSN: 0340-6199 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 9177984 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Expectorants
• Ambroxol

Topics

• Ambroxol (therapeutic use)
• Chi-Square Distribution
• Confidence Intervals
• Expectorants (therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Infant, Newborn
• Infant, Premature
• Odds Ratio
• Perinatal Care (methods, standards)
• Prospective Studies
• Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn (prevention & control)
• Treatment Outcome