Abstract
Objective The goal was to determine if inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) for 3 weeks during neonatal
care of high-risk preterm infants was associated with improved pulmonary function
and exercise capacity or altered exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in later childhood.
Study Design Thirty-four very preterm children previously enrolled in a randomized, neonatal trial
of iNO to prevent chronic lung disease, were assessed in follow-up at 7 to 9 years
of age, including pulmonary function testing (PFT), exercise testing, and measurement
of FeNO.
Results There were no differences in PFTs or exercise capacity between iNO treated and controls.
FeNO levels showed large interpatient variability but tended to be lower in the iNO
treated.
Conclusion Findings indicate no overall differences in pulmonary function or exercise capacity
for children who had neonatal iNO treatment compared with placebo.
Keywords
bronchopulmonary dysplasia - extreme prematurity - inhaled nitric oxide - pulmonary
function - exercise capacity - exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
