Bronchodilators and diuretics in children with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were obtained during the course of a self-controlled study of six children aged 5 to 43 months who had moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Changes after the administration of intravenous (IV) furosemide (2 mg/kg), inhaled isoproterenol (0.2 cc, 1:200), inhaled atropine sulfate (0.05 mg/kg), and a placebo were assessed. The study indicated the furosemide and atropine significantly (P less than 0.05) increased dynamic compliance (CL) for the group. A decrease in total pulmonary resistance (RL) and work of breathing (W) was observed after isoproterenol, although the responses were not significant (P = 0.08 and P = 0.09, respectively). It was speculated that pulmonary edema and increased vagal tone may contribute to small airway dysfunction in children who have BPD.