A TRIAL OF THE SAFETY OF INHALED BECLOMETHASONE IN VENTILATOR-TREATEDNEONATES

Fifteen neonates were studied to determine whether beclomethasone coul d be safely administered with a metered-dose inhaler to subjects with an endotracheal tube in place, Oxygen saturations and transcutaneous c arbon dioxide values were monitored before, during, and after administ ration, We found significantly more episodes of desaturation to less t han 85% before administration than after administration (p < 0.05), Th e transcutaneous carbon dioxide values increased 4 to 10 mm Hg during delivery (p < 0.02) but returned to baseline by 30 minutes.