treatment

Last reviewed 03/2022

Treatment aims to wean the ventilatory requirements of the infant. In doing this the following may be helpful:

  • a course of steroids may be tried, provided there are no contraindications such as intercurrent sepsis
  • diuretics may be used if there are features of heart failure
  • methylxanthines - caffeine, aminophylline or theophylline - may be used to stimulate respiratory effort and increase diaphragmatic contractility