SALBUTAMOL NEBULIZATION FOR THE TREATMENT OF TRANSIENT TACHYPNEA OF THE NEWBORN

Abstract

Background: Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn (TTN) is a self-limiting respiratory condition caused by delayed resorption of fetal lung fluid. β-adrenergic agonists, particularly salbutamol, have been shown to enhance alveolar fluid clearance, potentially reducing respiratory support needs. Objective:  To compare the mean duration of oxygen requirement and length of hospital stay in neonates diagnosed with TTN who received inhaled salbutamol versus those who received a placebo, alongside standard care. Study Design: Case-control study. Settings: Neonatal Unit, Department of Paediatrics, Sughra Shafi Medical Complex, Narowal, Pakistan. Duration of Study: April 6, 2024, to October 5, 2024. Methods: A total of 60 neonates born at ≥37 weeks' gestation and diagnosed with TTN were enrolled and randomised into two groups using a lottery method. Group A received nebulised salbutamol at a dose of 0.15 mg/kg, and Group B received 2 ml of isotonic saline as a placebo. Both groups received standard supportive management. Primary outcomes included duration of oxygen therapy (in hours) and hospital stay (in days). Data were analysed using appropriate statistical methods, with p-values <0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The mean oxygen requirement was significantly reduced in the salbutamol group (32.9 ± 2.07 hours) compared to the placebo group (78.03 ± 2.9 hours; p = 0.000). Similarly, the mean hospital stay was significantly shorter in Group A (3.1 ± 1.1 days) than in Group B (5.7 ± 1.02 days; p = 0.000). Conclusion: Inhaled salbutamol significantly reduces the duration of oxygen requirement and hospital stay in neonates with TTN. This suggests a potential role for β-agonists as adjunctive therapy in the management of TTN.