The EU Nitric Oxide Trial: Inhaled Nitric Oxide for the Prevention of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Preterm Infants

Aims: Preterm infants are at risk of developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neurocognitive impairment. In animal models, inhaled nitric oxide improves both gas exchange and lung structural development, but the use of this therapy in infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia is still controversial. Methods: We performed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of inhaled nitric oxide at 36 European centers involving 800 preterm infants who required either the use of surfactant or continuous positive airway pressure for respiratory distress syndrome. Within 24 hours of birth, infants were rando…