The effect of aerosolized furosemide in infants with chronic lung disease.

To investigate whether aerosolized furosemide would improve pulmonary function in premature infants with chronic lung disease, we enrolled eight preterm ventilator-dependent infants in a cross-over, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Either aerosolized furosemide (2 mg/kg) or placebo (0.9% saline) was administered, and serial pulmonary function tests were performed before and at 1 and 2 h after each inhalation. After furosemide inhalation, static respiratory compliance increased significantly by 24.3% and 23.2% as percentage change from the baseline value at 1 and 2 h (p = 0.014 and 0.022, respectively). Also, tidal volume increased significantly by 33.8% and 28.7% at 1 and 2 h, respectively (p = 0.004 and 0.009). In contrast, no changes were observed in them after placebo inhalation. Total respiratory resistance was unchanged after both furosemide and placebo inhalation. There were no differences in urine volume in two groups. These data suggested that aerosolized furosemide improved pulmonary function in infants with chronic lung disease without excessive diuresis.