A Placebo-controlled Randomized Trial of Antithrombin Therapy in Neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is associated with decreased plasma activity of antithrombin (AT) and increased formation of thrombin. We tested whether AT reduces thrombin formation, improves gas exchange, and decreases the duration of mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen. One hundred twenty-two infants were randomized to pasteurized AT concentrate or to placebo. Two ml/kg (equivalent to 100 IU AT/kg) were followed by 1 …