Pediatric Pulmonary Hypoplasia Medication

Updated: Nov 11, 2022
  • Author: Terry W Chin, MD, PhD; Chief Editor: Girish D Sharma, MD, FCCP, FAAP  more...
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Medication

Medication Summary

Preterm rupture of membranes and an imminent preterm delivery is managed with tocolytics to control contractions and to prevent delivery, as indicated. Maternal steroids to accelerate lung maturity of the fetus are indicated in preterm labor.

The most common tocolytic agents used for the treatment of preterm labor are magnesium sulphate (MgSO4), indomethacin, and nifedipine. In the past, beta-mimetic agents, such as terbutaline or ritodrine, were the agents of choice, but in recent years their use has been significantly curtailed due to maternal and fetal side effects, such as maternal tachycardia, hyperglycemia, and palpitations. The use of these agents can lead to pulmonary edema, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac arrhythmia. The tocolytic agents currently used to treat preterm labor appear to be equally efficacious in delaying delivery for at least 48 hours. Although MgSO4 is associated with more maternal toxicity, indomethacin is associated with more fetal and neonatal toxicity. For more information, see Preterm Labor.

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Glucocorticoids

Class Summary

These agents are used to induce or accelerate lung maturity in a preterm newborn at less than 32 weeks' gestation or when lung immaturity is known by amniotic fluid assay. Long-acting steroids (eg, dexamethasone, betamethasone) are recommended by a National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference panel for all pregnancies at 24-34 weeks' gestation at risk of preterm delivery, in patients with preterm rupture of membranes at less than 30-32 weeks' gestation, and in complicated pregnancies with anticipated delivery before 34 weeks' gestation unless the corticosteroid will have an adverse effect on the mother.

Dexamethasone (Decadron)

Decreases frequency of respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant therapy, and serious intraventricular hemorrhage. Optimal benefit occurs within 24 h and lasts for 7 d.

Betamethasone (Celestone Soluspan)

Decreases frequency of respiratory distress syndrome, surfactant therapy, and serious intraventricular hemorrhage. Optimal benefit occurs within 24 h and lasts for 7 d.

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Surfactants

Class Summary

These agents are administered at birth to newborns to improve lung mechanics and oxygenation when treating airspace disease. Following inhaled administration, surface tension is reduced, and alveoli are stabilized, thus decreasing the work of breathing and increasing lung compliance.

Beractant (Survanta)

A semisynthetic bovine lung extract that contains phospholipids, fatty acids, and surfactant-associated proteins B (7 mcg/mL) and C (203 mcg/mL).

Calfactant (Infasurf)

A natural calf lung extract that contains phospholipids, fatty acids, and surfactant-associated proteins B (260 mcg/mL) and C (390 mcg/mL).

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