Optimization of airway medications in the infant

Airway medications are frequently used in the care of the sick neonate. The most prominent airway medication, surfactant for respiratory distress syndrome, will be discussed elsewhere in this issue of Neonatology. Other indications for airway medications have included the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, pulmonary hypertension, persistent atelectasis, transient tachypnea of the newborn and upper airway edema. Indications such as the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia are currently the focus of a large multicenter international trial. Other indications require further study.