Intravenous frusemide for transient tachypnoea of the newborn: a randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Aim: To investigate the effect of intravenous frusemide on the course of transient tachypnoea of the newborn (TTN).

Methods: Fifty term infant with TTN were randomised at the time of diagnosis to receive either intravenous frusemide 2 mg/kg or saline placebo. Outcomes assessed included duration of supplemental oxygen requirement, the period of tachypnoea, time to discharge from hospital and weight loss in the first 24 h of life and before discharge.

Results: The two groups were similar with respect to sex, birthweight, mode of delivery and age at presentation. The study group lost significantly more weight in the first 24 h after birth. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the duration of oxygen requirements, the period of tachypnoea and the time to hospital discharge.

Conclusion: A single dose of intravenous frusemide (2 mg/kg) does not improve the clinical course of TTN. This finding suggests that either frusemide is not effective in promoting resorption of lung fluid or factors other than delayed resorption of this fluid contribute to the pathogenesis of TTN.