Immediate treatment of respiratory distress in the newborn

Abstract

Depressed newborn infants, especially premature ones, received immediate therapy including stable temperature environment, positive pressure ventilation, and especially intravenous sodium bicarbonate in order to rapidly correct acidosis and hypoxia. This treatment is given by the obstetrician in the delivery suite. Follow-up pH determinations and further correction of acidosis are then carried out by the pediatrician in the newborn nursery. Preliminary results with 129 newborn infants following the institution of this regimen show decreased fetal morbidity and mortality, especially in the respiratory distress syndrome.