ANTENATAL AMBROXOL TREATMENT DOES NOT PREVENT THE RESPIRATORY-DISTRESS SYNDROME IN PREMATURE-INFANTS

The effectiveness of ambroxol in the prevention of neonatal respirator y distress syndrome and in reducing the need for intermittent mandator y ventilation and oxygen therapy was studied in 88 mothers whose infan ts was born between 24 and 34 weeks of gestation and who were randomiz ed either for treatment with ambroxol (group A = 42) or served as cont rol (group B = 46). There were no significant differences in the mean gestational age, birth weight or Apgar score between the two groups. W e found no significant differences in occurrence of respiratory distre ss syndrome (55% vs 45%), in support by intermittent mandatory ventila tion (71% vs 72%) or oxygen therapy (74% vs 75%) at 12 h of age betwee n groups A and B. Conclusion This study does not suggest the efficacy of antenatal ambroxol treatment both for the prevention of neonatal re spiratory distress syndrome and for the reduction of its severity.