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Lung Treatment for Preemies Produces Uneven Results

Posted on: Thursday, 7 July 2005, 21:00 CDT

NEW YORK -- A promising lung treatment for premature babies produced mixed results -- perhaps harming some of the weakest infants, while preventing developmental problems in a healthier group, two studies show.

The treatment, inhaled nitric oxide, is safely used in full-term babies with lung problems. Doctors have been experimenting with the gas to see if it will help preemies with underdeveloped lungs who have trouble breathing.

The two studies published in today's New England Journal of Medicine differ in many ways. Company-sponsored research by the University of Chicago reported positive results in a healthier group of preemies. However, a larger, nationwide study funded by the government suggests the gas may have been harmful for much sicker, smaller infants.

Hopes for the treatment were high after a University of Chicago team reported two years ago that a small dose of nitric oxide reduced the risk of death, chronic lung disease and brain damage in a group of preemies. A two-year follow-up of the same children found those who got the gas had better mental development and fewer disabilities than those who didn't.

Study director Dr. Michael D. Schreiber said the latest results need to be confirmed "but it certainly is exciting for the possibilities."

In the larger federal study that included far sicker preemies, the nitric oxide didn't help the babies overall and the tiniest infants did worse. The results, however, suggest the gas may benefit those who weigh more than 2 pounds.

Source: Columbian

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