A trial of the safety of inhaled beclomethasone in ventilator-treated neonates.

Fifteen neonates were studied to determine whether beclomethasone could be safely administered with a metered-dose inhaler to subjects with an endotracheal tube in place. Oxygen saturations and transcutaneous carbon dioxide values were monitored before, during, and after administration. We found significantly more episodes of desaturation to less than 85% before administration than after administration (p < 0.05). The transcutaneous carbon dioxide values increased 4 to 10 mm Hg during delivery (p < 0.02) but returned to baseline by 30 minutes.