[Effect of shenmai injection on diaphragmatic fatigue in children with respiratory failure].

Objective: To study the effect of Shenmai injection (SMI) on diaphragmatic fatigue in children with respiratory failure.

Methods: Thirty-five cases of children respiratory failure with diaphragmatic fatigue were divided into two groups. The control group was treated with comprehensive therapy including anti-infection, oxygen inhalation and parenteral nutrition, etc. The SMI group was treated with SMI intravenously, besides the comprehensive therapy as in the control group. Taking electrical impedance respirogram (IRG) as criterion of therapeutic effect, the effective cases after 30 min medication, time for diaphragmatic fatigue disappearance, as well as arterial blood gas analysis before and after treatment were analyzed.

Results: (1) In 30 min after medication, the effective cases in the SMI group (15/18) were more than that in the control group (4/17, P < 0.01); (2) Blood pH increased and PaCO2 decreased in both groups after treatment, but the decrease of PaCO2 was more significant in the SMI group (P < 0.05); (3) Time of diaphragmatic fatigue disappearance in the SMI group was shorter than that in the control group (P < 0.01).

Conclusion: SMI is an effective drug for treatment of diaphragmatic fatigue in children with less adverse effect, and worthwhile for spreading in clinical practice.