Intravenous magnesium sulphate vs. inhaled nitric oxide for moderate, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. A Multicentre, retrospective study.

Abstract

We have compared intravenous magnesium sulphate vs. inhaled nitric oxide in the therapy of moderate persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate. A retrospective collection of clinical data from 58 neonates was carried out in six neonatal intensive care units of Southern Italy sharing the same operational protocols. In our setting, both drugs were effective in treating moderate persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate but nitric oxide (NO) treatment resulted in much faster amelioration of oxygenation index, taken as a marker of the underlying condition. No significant difference was recorded in immediate or long-term complications. We conclude that, wherever NO facilities are not readily available, magnesium sulphate is a safe and cheaper alternative for first-line treatment of moderate persistent pulmonary hypertension of the neonate.

• Authors: Francesco Raimondi, Fiorella Migliaro, Letizia Capasso, Gaetano Ausanio, Massimo Bisceglia, Paolo Giliberti, Francesco Messina, Gennaro Salvia, Roberto Paludetto
• Journal: Journal of tropical pediatrics (J Trop Pediatr) Vol. 54 Issue 3 Pg. 196-9 (Jun 2008) ISSN: 1465-3664 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 18048460 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Bronchodilator Agents
• Nitric Oxide
• Magnesium Sulfate

Topics

• Bronchodilator Agents (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Humans
• Hypertension, Pulmonary (drug therapy)
• Infant, Newborn
• Italy
• Magnesium Sulfate (administration & dosage, blood, therapeutic use)
• Male
• Multicenter Studies as Topic
• Nitric Oxide (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Retrospective Studies