In view of the recent advances in the treatment of peripheral vascular disorders, we believe it is of value to record our observations of effective lumbar sympathetic block in a premature infant.
After a gestation of approximately seven months, a 21 year old white woman delivered a premature infant weighing 3 pounds 2 ounces (1,418 Gm.). There had been no antepartum care; the mother had not been seen by a physician until thirty minutes prior to admission to the hospital. It was believed that a mild attack of influenza had brought about premature labor, particularly because of rather severe paroxysms of coughing associated with the illness.
Considerable difficulty was encountered in initiating respiration in the infant. However, after the subcutaneous administration of 0.5 cc. of nikethamide and continuous oxygen administration, respiration was established approximately ten minutes after birth. The color soon became good and the infant was placed in a