Respiratory response and pharmacokinetics of intravenous salbutamol in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

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Abstract
The effects of iv salbutamol on respiratory mechanics were studied in six infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Salbutamol was infused at a dose of 30 μg/kg over 30 min in five infants; a sixth infant received 66.7 μg/kg over 4 min. Salbutamol caused improvement in total respiratory system compliance and in airflow resistance. There was no correlation between salbutamol serum concentration and pulmonary function. Elimination half-time appears to be dictated in these infants more by the distribution volume (Vd) than by clearance (C1). The area under concentration-time curve of salbutamol correlated inversely to the change in heart rate (HR). There was a significant positive correlation between Vd and percent HR change. These data provide evidence that preterm infants have measurable activity of bronchiolar β2 receptor responsive to salbutamol.