Inhaled dry salt micro particles in the treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia: A five case series report

Abstract

Background. Despite current medical advances, to this day there is no single medical intervention to effectively prevent or treat bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in both preterm and term infants. Along with protective ventilation strategies, various drugs are being used or are being researched at this very moment, with the sole purpose of improving the general outcome for these patients. Inhaled dry salt micro particles therapy is now one of them. Materials and methods. This report presents five patients, diagnosed with severe BPD. All of them received, complementary to classical BPD management and respiratory support, continuous inhaled dry salt micro particles, via SaltMed cartridges, for a period of 12 to 30 days. After only 24 hours of administration, we were able to observe a significant improvement in respiratory function and dynamics. It was possible to use a lower fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2), mean airway pressure (MAP) and peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) in all mechanically ventilated patients. Higher tidal volumes were recorded and we observed improvement in oxygenation indexes. Conclusion. Continuously inhaled dry salt micro particles, administered complementary to classic BPD management, could improve respiratory and overall morbidity and mortality in infants with any form of BPD. Further study of these possible effects is needed, as there is no data published on this matter so far.