Risk factors of threshold retinopathy of prematurity

OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk factors which predispose to the development of threshold retinopathy of prematurity among patients of retinopathy of prematurity. METHODS: The ROP clinic records of a 3 year period were retrospectively studied to identify babies with threshold ROP (T-ROP) and sub-threshold ROP (ST-ROP). Various antenatal and perinatal risk factors, neonatal morbidity and therapeutic interventions were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: Of the total of 108 babies, 55 had T-ROP and 53 had ST-ROP. On univariate analysis, packed cell transfusions for anemia, double volume exchange transfusions (DVET), number of DVET, ventilation, gestational age 相似文献   

Neonatal outcome of preterm infants born to mothers with abnormal genital tract colonisation and chorioamnionitis: A cohort study

Purpose

We hypothesised that abnormal genital tract colonisation leading to an in utero inflammation/infection process, contributes to the risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), intra ventricular haemorrhage (IVH), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in preterm infants.

Methods

396 placentas and umbilical cords of neonates born at 22–32 weeks of gestation were evaluated. Genital tract and amniotic fluid swabs were cultured for aerobic and anaerobic bacteria.

Results

Chorioamnionitis significantly increases the risk for RDS (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.14–2.65), NEC (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.36–3.28) and ROP > 2 (OR 2.12, 95% CI 1.33–3.36). But the risk for IVH, PDA and BPD did not differ between the groups. Klebsiella pneumoniae (OR 5.33, 95% CI 1.06–26.79), Staphylococcus sp. (OR 18.39, 95% CI 2.32–145.2) and Enterococcus faecalis (OR 10.7, 95% CI 1.27–89.9) showed a significant relationship with intrauterine inflammation processes. E. faecalis increased the risk for NEC (OR 6.13, 95% CI 1.059–37.6). We did not note a link between ROP and genital tract colonisation. Interestingly PDA seems to be triggered by the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (OR 2.38 95% CI 1.83–3.82).

Conclusion

Our results show a link between K. pneumoniae, Staphylococcus sp., E. faecalis and intrauterine infection. E. faecalis increases the risk for NEC, and suggests a direct link between gram + bacteria, chorioamnionitis and NEC.     

Chronic lung disease of prematurity and early childhood wheezing: Is foetal inflammatory response syndrome to blame?

BackgroundLong-lasting respiratory symptoms have a huge impact on the quality of life in prematurely born children.AimsWe aimed to investigate the perinatal and maternal risk factors involved in the development of chronic respiratory morbidity in preterm infants, with an emphasis on the importance of Foetal Inflammatory Response Syndrome (FIRS).Study designProspective cohort study.SubjectsDemographic, antenatal, delivery and outcomes data were collected from 262 infants with less than 32 completed weeks of gestational age, over a 10-year period.Outcome measuresPresence of chronic lung disease of prematurity and early childhood wheezing.ResultsIn multivariate logistic regression analysis the presence of FIRS appears to be the most important risk factor for both, chronic lung disease of prematurity (OR 31.05, 95% CI 10.7–87.75, p < 0.001) and early childhood wheezing (OR 5.63, 95% CI 2.42–13.05, p = 0.01). In the alternative regression model for early childhood wheezing, with chronic lung disease included as a variable, the statistical significance of FIRS completely vanished (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.39–3.34, p = 0.79), whilst chronic lung disease became the most important risk factor (OR 23.45, 95% CI 8.5–63.25, p < 0.001).ConclusionsPrenatal and early neonatal events are of utmost importance in the development of chronic respiratory symptoms in children. The influence of FIRS on the development of chronic respiratory symptoms goes far beyond its impact on gestational age and may be related to direct inflammation-mediated lung tissue damage. CLD appears to be an intermittent step on the way from FIRS to ECW.     

Risk factors for perinatal stroke in term infants: A case–control study in Australia

Aim

The aetiology of perinatal stroke is poorly understood. This study aimed to prospectively confirm the risk factors and identify any previously unknown variables.

Methods

A prospective case–control study was conducted in Australia. Univariate odds ratios (ORs), associated 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and multivariable logistic regression models fitted with backwards stepwise variable selection were used.

Results

Sixty perinatal stroke cases reported between 2017 and 2019 included 95% (57/60) with multiple risk factors. Univariate analysis identified emergency caesarean section rather than NVD (P < 0.01), low Apgar score (<7) at 1, 5 and 10 min of age (P < 0.01), resuscitation at birth (P < 0.01), abnormal cord blood gas (P < 0.01), neonatal infection/sepsis (P < 0.01), congenital heart disease (P < 0.01) and hypoglycaemia (P < 0.01) as significant risk factors. Multivariate analysis found smoking during pregnancy (OR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.09–1.99), 1-min Apgar score < 7 (OR: 1.54; 95% CI: 1.15–2.08), 10-min Apgar score < 7 (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.02–1.54) and hypoglycaemia (OR: 1.49; 95% CI: 1.07–2.06).

Conclusions

Perinatal stroke is associated with multiple risk factors. Exposure to smoking, 10-min Apgar score < 7, neonatal infection and hypoglycaemia were independent risk factors. Emergency caesarean section, resuscitation at birth and abnormal cord blood gas were additional risk factors.     

Neonatal thrombocytopenia associated with maternal pregnancy induced hypertension

Objective  To evaluate the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in neonates born to mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension (PIH) and identify the associated material and neonatal characteristics. Methods  In the current, prospective study, platelet counts were assessed serially. Maternal and neonatal characteristic were recorded in pre-designed proforma. Primary outcome measures were thrombocytopenia defined as platelet count of <150000/mm³ and severe thrombocytopenia if counts were <30000/mm³ or <50000/mm³ with bleeding. Results  Of 97 neonates born to PIH mothers 35 (36.1%) had thrombocytopenia. In 20 (20.6%) thrombocytopenia was severe. Higher percentage of thrombocytopenia was associated with male gender (47.7%), low birth weight (71.4%) and prematurity (67.4%). Severe thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with low birth weight (OR: 4.58; 95% CI: 0.98–21.3; p<0.03) and prematurity (OR: 2.52; 95% CI: 0.87–7.24; p<0.05). Material parity, onset of PIH, and medications did not seem to be associated significantly. Conclusion  Premature and low birth weight neonates born to mothers with pregnancy induced hypertension would require scrutiny for thrombocytopenia during early neonatal period.     

Low gestational age and chronic lung disease are synergistic risk factors for retinopathy of prematurity

Aims

This retrospective, population based study was designed to investigate risk factors for development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and their possible interrelationships, in neonates of gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks born in a well-defined geographical region.

Study design—subjects

The study population included all preterm infants born alive with GA 24–32 weeks in Northwestern Greece during a 9-year period and hospitalised in the regional neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Outcome measurements

The association was assessed of the presence of ROP with maternal factors: age, pathology of pregnancy, in-vitro fertilisation, multiple gestation, mode of delivery, perinatal factors: gender, antenatal steroids, transportation, resuscitation, GA, birth weight (BW), small for GA status and postnatal morbidity: chronic lung disease (CLD), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), maximum O₂ needs, hypoxic/hyperoxic episodes, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), sepsis, using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 189 infants without congenital anomalies born at GA 24–32 weeks ROP was diagnosed in 24 (12.7%) (> grade 2: 6). Logistic regression analysis showed ROP to be strongly associated with GA, odds ratio (OR) 2.1, confidence interval (CI) 1.3–3.3, p < 0.01 and CLD, OR 10.2, CI 2.3–44, p < 0.01, respectively, independent of confounding factors. By estimating interaction on an additive scale it was shown that the combined risk effect of GA and CLD was larger than the sum of the individual risk effects, implying synergistic effect.

Conclusions

ROP was closely and independently related to both low GA and the diagnosis of CLD, which were interrelated in the development of ROP.     

The Role of Hemoglobin Variant Replacement in Retinopathy of Prematurity

Objective  

To conduct tests of relationships between different factors that could influence the course of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and ROP, particularly the role of hemoglobin variant replacement in adult blood transfusions.     

Neonatal correlates of adverse outcomes in very low‐birthweight infants in the NICU Network

Background: The aim of the present study was to explore the relationships among neonatal morbidity, interventions and death or adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes in very low‐birthweight (VLBW) infants. Methods: Subjects were infants with birthweight ≤1500 g who were cared for in the tertiary neonatal intensive care units in Japan. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of neonatal factors for death or cerebral palsy (CP) and death or developmental delay (developmental quotient <70 or delay judged by physicians) at 3 years of age after adjusting for biological and prenatal variables. Results: Of the 3104 subjects, 257 died and 1826 were evaluated at 3 years of age. Cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL; OR, 23.9; 95%CI: 11.0–51.7), gastrointestinal perforation (OR, 8.5; 95%CI: 2.8–25.4), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) grade 3 or 4 (OR, 3.1; 95%CI: 1.3–7.2) and sepsis (OR, 2.6; 95%CI: 1.4–4.8) were neonatal factors significantly associated with an increased risk of death or CP. Significant correlates with death or developmental delay were cystic PVL (OR, 7.9; 95%CI: 3.7–16.8), gastrointestinal perforation (OR, 6.3; 95%CI: 1.9–20.8), sepsis (OR, 2.8; 95%CI: 1.6–4.8), IVH grade 3 or 4 (OR, 2.6; 95%CI: 1.2–5.7), chronic lung disease at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age (OR, 1.6; 95%CI: 1.1–2.4) and treatment for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP; OR, 1.5; 95%CI: 1.0–2.3). Conclusion: Cystic PVL, gastrointestinal perforation, IVH and sepsis correlated with both death or CP and death or developmental delay in VLBW infants. Chronic lung disease at 36 weeks and treatment for ROP were associated with death or developmental delay, but not with death or CP.     

Distribution of Retinopathy of Prematurity and Its Risk Factors

Objective

This study was conducted to determine the distribution and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature infants referred to neonates intensive care unit (NICU) of central hospital of Kerman University of Medical Sciences, to obtain primary information on ROP in Kerman, Iran.

Methods

In a cross sectional prospective study, data of premature infants screened for ROP including possible risk factors and eye examination results were recorded during 2006-2008 and analyzed by using logistic regression and chi-square tests.

Findings

Out of 83 premature infants, 24 (29%) had different stages of ROP (CI 95%: 0.19-0.39). The infants’ mean gestational age (GA) and mean birth weight (BW) in ROP group were 30.17±1.8 weeks and 1247.92±237.1 grams (g), respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed a significant relation between GA and BW with ROP (P<0.001). Indication for treatment was set in 6 (25%) infants.

Conclusion

The results of this study illustrate a relatively high prevalence of ROP in this series. GA and BW were independent ROP determinants.     

Predicting neurosensory disabilities at two years of age in a national cohort of extremely premature infants

Background

Extreme prematurity carries a high risk of neurosensory disability.

Aims

Examine which information obtained pre-, peri- and postnatally may be predictive of neurosensory disabilities at 2 years of age.

Study design

Prospective observational study of all infants born in Norway in 1999 and 2000 with gestational age (GA) 22-27 completed weeks or birth weight (BW) of 500-999 g.

Outcome measures

Incidence of neurosensory disabilities.

Results

Of 373 surviving children, 30 (8%) had major neurosensory disabilities (26 CP, 6 blind, 3 deaf), and a further 46 (12%) had minor visual or hearing disabilities. The rate of major neurosensory disabilities was 19 of 99 (19%) for children with GA 23-25 vs. 8 of 189 (4%) for GA 26-27 weeks (p < 0.001). In a multivariable model, only morbidities detected in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were associated with major neurosensory disabilities; adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 68.6 (18.7, 252.2) for major abnormalities on cerebral ultrasound, 6.8 (1.7, 27.4) for retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) grade > 2, 3.2 (1.0, 9.7) for ROP grade 1-2, 6.5 (1.9, 22.3) for prolonged use (≥ 21 days) of steroid treatment for lung disease and 3.1 (1.0, 9.4) for clinical chorioamnionitis. The visual outcome was strongly related to the degree of ROP (p < 0.001), and all who had a normal hearing screen in the NICU had normal hearing at 2 years.

Conclusion

NICU morbidities, rather than GA or intrauterine growth are the significant predictors of major neurosensory disabilities among extreme prematurity surviving to discharge from the NICU.     

Erythropoietin and retinopathy of prematurity: a meta-analysis

We performed a meta-analysis to study the association between erythropoietin (EPO) and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in preterm newborn infants. Studies were identified through PubMed (1966–) and ISI databases (1965–) literature searches. Results and effect sizes are expressed as odds ratio (OR) with 95 % confidence intervals (CI). Fourteen studies identified to the meta-analysis, including 3,484 preterm newborn infants. A total of 563 of 1,221 babies treated with EPO had ROP (46.1 %) vs. 420 of 1,134 babies without EPO (37.0 %). No significant difference was found in the ROP risk between the two groups, with the OR 1.592 (95 % CI 0.901–2.812). A total of 192 of 1,298 babies treated with EPO had severe ROP (stage 3–4) (14.8 %) vs. 166 of 1,199 babies without EPO (13.8 %). The OR was 1.203 (95 % CI 0.763–1.896). No significant publication bias was found. Sensitivity analyses showed the results were robust. Conclusion: Our meta-analysis indicates that EPO treatment is not associated with the development of ROP in preterm infants. But this conclusion should be confirmed by further high-quality researches.     

Analysis of risk factors for morbidity in children undergoing the Kasai procedure for biliary atresia

Objective

To evaluate the perioperative risk factors for 30-day complications of the Kasai procedure in a large, cross-institutional, modern dataset.

Study design

The 2012–2015 National Surgical Quality Improvement Program Pediatric database was used to identify patients undergoing the Kasai procedure. Patients’ characteristics were compared by perioperative blood transfusions and 30-day outcomes, including complications, reoperations, and readmissions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors predictive of outcomes. Propensity matching was performed for perioperative blood transfusions to evaluate its effect on outcomes.

Results

190 children were included with average age of 62 days. Major cardiac risk factors were seen in 6.3%. Perioperative blood transfusions occurred in 32.1%. The 30-day post-operative complication rate was 15.8%, reoperation 6.8%, and readmission 15.3%. After multivariate analysis, perioperative blood transfusions (OR?3.94; p?<?0.01) and major cardiac risk factors (OR?7.82; p?<?0.01) were found to increase the risk of a complication. Perioperative blood transfusion (OR?4.71; p?=?0.01) was associated with an increased risk of reoperation. Readmission risk was increased by prematurity (OR?3.88; p?=?0.04) and 30-day complication event (OR?4.09; p?=?0.01). After propensity matching, perioperative blood transfusion was associated with an increase in complications (p?<?0.01) and length of stay (p?<?0.01).

Conclusion

Major cardiac risk factors and perioperative blood transfusions increase the risk of post-operative complications in children undergoing the Kasai procedure. Further research is warranted in the perioperative use of blood transfusions in this population.

Level of evidence

IV.

     

The role of blood transfusions and iron intake on retinopathy of prematurity

BACKGROUND: The role of blood transfusions and iron intake in the pathogenesis or retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is controversial. AIM: To evaluate the influence of packed red cell (PRC) transfusions and iron intake on ROP incidence. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SUBJECTS: Forty-five preterm infants with birthweight <1250 g were studied. After ophthalmological study, they were divided into group A (n=24) that included newborns without ROP, and group B (n=21) that included newborns with ROP. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis demonstrated that gestational age (OR 0.61; 95% C.I. 0.41-0.90), transfusion volume during the first week (OR 1.16; 95% C.I. 1.03-1.3) and during the first 2 months of life (OR 2.93; 95% C.I. 1.52-5.62), and iron intake during the first week of life (OR 1.15; C.I. 1.01-1.32) and during the first 2 months of life (OR 2.93; 95% C.I. 1.52-5.62) were associated with the development of ROP. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that gestational age, blood transfusion volume and iron load by transfusions are associated with the risk of occurrence of ROP in infants with a birthweight of less than 1250 g.     

Risk factors for neonatal death in the capital city with the lowest infant mortality rate in Brazil

Objectives

To analyze the risk factors for neonatal death in Florianópolis, the Brazilian city capital with the lowest infant mortality rate.

Comparison of different growth curves in the assessment of extrauterine growth restriction in very low birth weight preterm infants

BackgroundPreterm infants are at risk of extrauterine growth restriction (EUGR) and associated complications in the long term. Growth curves are important in assessing postnatal growth in these infants. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of EUGR in preterm infants and the factors associated with EUGR using two different growth curves.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated 596 preterm infants with birth weight ≤1500 g. Small for gestational age (SGA) was defined as birth weight <10th percentile for gestational age. EUGR was defined as discharge weight z score <?2. All z scores were determined using both the Fenton 2013 and Intergrowth-21st (IG-21) growth curves.ResultsThe infants’ median gestational age was 28 weeks (27–29) and median birth weight was 1080 g (900–1243). The prevalence of SGA was 9.2% with IG-21 curves and 5% with Fenton curves (p < 0.001). The median discharge weight was 2060 g (1860–2363). The prevalence of EUGR was significantly higher with the Fenton curves than with the IG-21 curves (38% vs. 31.7%, p < 0.001). The mean discharge weight z score was ?1.82±1.29 with Fenton and ?1.44±1.49 with IG-21 curves. In multivariate analysis, significant risk factors for EUGR according to the Fenton curves were SGA (odds ratio [OR]: 19.15, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.4–82.59), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) (OR 1.64, 95% CI 1.12–2.4), late neonatal sepsis (LNS) (OR: 2.27, 95% CI: 1.5–3.44), and >16 days to full enteral feeding (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.22–2.68). Similarly, independent risk factors for EUGR according to the IG-21 curve were SGA (OR: 16.3, 95% CI: 7.23–36.9), RDS (OR: 1.81, 95% CI: 1.16–2.83), LNS (OR: 2.29, 95% CI: 1.43–3.68), and >16 days to full enteral feeding (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.38–3.23).ConclusionThe growth curves used for diagnosis may lead to differences in EUGR rates in intensive care units and the factors identified as associated with EUGR. At-risk infants should be evaluated for EUGR and their weight and nutritional support should be monitored carefully. Comparisons of long-term outcomes are needed to assess the suitability of growth curves used for EUGR follow-up.     

Relationship between hyperglycemia and retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants

Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a multifactorial vasoproliferative retinal disorder that increases in incidence with decreasing gestational age. Recently, an association between hyperglycemia and severe ROP was found in extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible relation between hyperglycemia and ROP at any stage in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI). We analyzed the data of 201 VLBWI. The incidence of ROP and hyperglycemia was detected and the chi2 test was applied to investigate the association between the two variables. The Clinical Risk Index for Babies (CRIB) score was attributed as a marker of illness severity. The incidence of ROP and hyperglycemia in VLBWI was 35.3 and 19.4%, respectively. ROP developed more frequently in hyperglycemic infants (p < 0.001). The gestational age, birth weight, and Apgar scores were significantly lower, the CRIB score was higher in ROP patients. In hyperglycemic ROP patients the CRIB score was significantly higher compared to euglycemic ROP patients (mean (SD) 8.1 (4.2) vs. 5.5 (3.3); p < 0.01). A logistic regression model revealed that gestational age (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.46-0.76; p < 0.001) and hyperglycemia (OR 3.15; 95% CI 1.12-8.84; p < 0.05) are independent risk factors in ROP development. When ELBWI were analyzed separately, gestational age (OR 0.38; 95% CI 0.20-0.72; p < 0.01) and CRIB score (OR 1.58; 95% CI 1.02-2.45; p < 0.05) were found as significant contributors. Further studies are needed to elucidate the pathophysiological role of hyperglycemia in the development of vasoproliferative retinal disorder.     

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia in very low birth weight infants

Objective  The developments in newborn care have enabled many more very low birth weight premature infants to live. The aim of our study was to determine the risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) development by evaluating mild and moderate/severe BPD in extramural neonates with a birth weight <1501 g. Methods  A case-control study was conducted between January 1, 2004- December 31, 2006 at the Dr. Sami Ulus Children’s Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Patients with BPD and without BPD were compared. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was diagnosed and classified according to the Bancalari criteria. One-hundred and six (106) extramural premature infants with a birth weight <1501 g and admitted to the Neonatal Unit in the first three days of life and survived for more than 28 postnatal days were included. Patients with multiple congenital anomalies and complex cardiac pathologies were excluded. The maternal and neonatal risk factors, clinical features, mechanical ventilation treatment were compared. The principal risk factors for BPD development were analyzed and followed by logistic regression test. Results  The diagnosis was mild BPD in 27 of the 106 patients and moderate/severe BPD in 29. The incidence of BPD was 52.8%. Fifty of 106 patients had no BPD. Analysis of risk factors revealed that gestational age ≤28 weeks (p=0.019), birth weight ≤1000 g (p=0.007), hypothermia (p=0.003), acidosis (p=0.003) and hypotension (p=0.005) at admission, respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) ( p<0.001), mechanical ventilation therapy (p<0.001), surfactant therapy (p=0.005), higher amount of mean fluid therapy on 7^th days (p=0.008), nosocomial infection (p<0.001), higher amount of mean packed red cell transfusions (p<0.001) and more than two packed red cell transfusions (p=0.033) were risk factors associated with the development of BPD. Multivariant logistic regression analysis showed acidosis at admission (OR 5.12, 95%CI 1.17–22.27, p=0.029), surfactant treatment (OR 7.53, 95%CI 2.14–26.45, p=0.002), nosocomial infections (OR 4.66, 95%CI 1.27–17.12, p=0.02) and PDA (OR 9.60, 95%CI 2.23–41.22, p=0.002) were risk factors increasing the severity of BPD. Conclusion  The most important risk factors for BPD development in our study were RDS and nosocomial infections while the presence of acidosis at admission, surfactant administration, nosocomial infections and the presence of PDA were the most important risk factors regarding BPD severity. Presence of acidosis at admission as a risk factor emphasized the importance of suitable transport conditions for premature infants.     

Occurrence and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and respiratory distress syndrome after a preterm birth

BACKGROUND:

Despite notable advances in neonatal care, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) remains an important complication of preterm birth, frequently resulting in prolonged hospital stay and long-term morbidity.

METHODS:

A historical cohort study of all preterm infants (gestational age younger than 37 weeks) admitted to the Montreal Children’s Hospital (Montreal, Quebec) between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1992, was conducted. Information collected included demographic data, maternal and perinatal history, and main neonatal outcomes. Independent risk factors associated with BPD were identified by univariate analysis using one-way ANOVA, t tests or Mantel-Haenszel χ² testing. Severity of disease was studied using an ordinal multinomial logistic regression model.

RESULTS:

In total, 1192 preterm infants were admitted, of whom 551 developed respiratory distress syndrome and 322 developed BPD. For each additional week of prematurity, the risk of developing BPD increased by 54% (adjusted OR 1.54/week [95% CI 1.45 to 1.64]). For each point subtracted on the 1 min Apgar score, the risk of developing BPD was increased by 16% (OR 1.16 [95% CI 1.1 to 1.3]). BPD was also associated with the presence of patent ductus arteriosus (OR 3.5 [95% CI 2.1 to 6.0]), pneumothorax in the first 48 h (OR 9.4 [95% CI 3.6 to 24.8]) or neonatal pneumonia/sepsis in the neonatal period (OR 1.9 [95% CI 1.1 to 3.2]). Severity of BPD was associated with gestational age, 1 min Apgar score, very low birth weight and the presence of neonatal pneumonia/sepsis.

CONCLUSION:

Factors associated with BPD following a preterm birth were the degree of prematurity, birth weight, Apgar score at 1 min, and the presence of patent ductus arteriosus, pneumothorax or neonatal pneumonia/sepsis.     

The influence of fish-oil lipid emulsions on retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants: A randomized controlled trial

Objective

To compare the effect of two lipid emulsions on the development of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants.

Design

Randomized controlled study.

Patients and methods

Eighty very low birth weight infants receiving parenteral nutrition from the first day of life were evaluated. One of the two lipid emulsions were used in the study infants: Group 1 (n = 40) received fish-oil based lipid emulsion (SmofLipid®) and Group 2 (n = 40) soybean oil based lipid emulsion (Intralipid®).

Main outcome measures

The development of retinopathy of prematurity and the need for laser photocoagulation were assessed.

Results

The maternal and perinatal characteristics were similar in both groups. The median (range) duration of parenteral nutrition [14 days (10–28) vs 14 (10–21)] and hospitalization [34 days (20–64) vs 34 (21–53)] did not differ between the groups. Laboratory data including complete blood count, triglyceride level, liver and kidney function tests recorded before and after parenteral nutrition also did not differ between the two groups. In Group 1, two patients (5.0%) and in Group 2, 13 patients (32.5%) were diagnosed with retinopathy of prematurity (OR: 9.1, 95% CI 1.9–43.8, p = 0.004). One patient in each group needed laser photocoagulation, without significant difference. Multivariate analysis showed that only receiving fish-oil emulsion in parenteral nutrition decreased the risk of development of retinopathy of prematurity [OR: 0.76, 95% CI (0.06-0.911), p = 0.04].

Conclusions

Premature infants with very low birth weight receiving an intravenous fat emulsion containing fish oil developed less retinopathy of prematurity.