Fluid Restriction in Respiratory Distress of the Newborn

Infants with respiratory distress syndrome will be enrolled within the first twelve hours of life, and randomly assigned to one of two groups: the first group will receive the interventional fluid management method, and the second (the control group) will receive the current standard of care for fluid management. To standardize respiratory care across all five study sites, a computer-based algorithm for respiratory support management based on objective markers of respiratory distress will guide clinician management decisions. However, each infant's medical team will make all final decisions on respiratory treatment and IV fluid management. Any study infant who experiences dehydration and/or low blood sugar during the course of the study will be removed from the study and be treated for the condition.