EFFECT OF INHALED NITRIC OXIDE ON PLASMA NITRITE CONCENTRATIONS IN INFANTS WITH PERSISTENT PULMONARY HYPERTENSION

### 1 SHORT-TERM EXPOSURE OF ACETAZOLAMIDE IN THE PHARMACOLOGIC TREATMENT OF CHRONIC METABOLIC ALKALOSIS IN NEONATES AND INFANTS B. Tam, A. Chhay, L. Yen, L. Tesoriero, I. Seri, P. Friedlich Childrens Hospital Los Angeles, USC Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA. #### Purpose of Study To evaluate the effects on electrolyte homeostasis and acid-base balance of acetazolamide administered to ameliorate the metabolic alkalosis associated primarily with diuretic therapy in neonates and infants with chronic respiratory insufficiency. #### Methods Used Infants and neonates who received acetazolamide (3-5 mg/kg/dose intravenously every 6 hours up to 4 doses) in the NICU of Childrens Hospital Los Angeles between January 2006 and October 2007 were identified. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain patient demographics, concurrent diuretics, electrolyte supplements, parenteral nutrition, number of acetazolamide doses, results of serum metabolic panel(s) and blood gas analyses, and urine output during the 24 hours of the study. #### Summary of Results Eighty-nine patients receiving 129 courses of acetazolamide were identified and included. Fifty, 42, 17 and 20 patients received 1, 2, 3, and 4 doses of acetazolamide, respectively. Calculated serum bicarbonate (36.9 ± 4.1 vs. 31.5 ± 4.3 mEq/L, P 55 mm Hg. #### Conclusions Short-term exposure to acetazolamide for the pharmacologic treatment of chronic metabolic alkalosis associated with diuretic therapy in neonates and infants with chronic respiratory …