Adenosine infusion improves oxygenation in term infants with respiratory failure

Adenosine infusion causes selective pulmonary vasodilation in fetal and neonatal lambs with pulmonary hypertension. We investigated the effects of a continuous infusion of adenosine on oxygenation in term infants with persistent pulmonary hypertension of newborn (PPHN). A randomized, placebo-controlled, masked trial comparing the efficacy of intravenous infusion of adenosine to normal saline infusion over a 24-hour period. Inborn and outborn level III neonatal intensive care units at a university medical center. Eighteen term infants with PPHN and arterial postductal PO2 of 60 to 100 Torr on inspired O2 concentration of 100% and optimal hyperventilation (PaCO2