Indomethacin prophylaxis or expectant treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants?

BACKGROUND: Indomethacin prophylaxis or expectant treatment are common strategies for the prevention or management of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA). OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical responses of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants to indomethacin prophylaxis with that of other infants who were managed expectantly by being treated with indomethacin or surgically only after an sPDA was detected. METHODS: Retrospective cohort investigation of 167 ELBW infants who received indomethacin prophylaxis (study) and 167 ELBW infants (control) treated expectantly who were matched by year of birth (1999 to 2006), birth weight, gestational age (GA) and gender. RESULTS: Mothers of the two groups of infants were comparable demographically and on the history of preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, antepartum steroids and cesarean delivery. Study and control infants were similar in birth weight, GA, low 5 min Apgar scores, surfactant administration, the need for arterial blood pressure control, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neonatal mortality. Necrotizing enterocolitis, spontaneous intestinal perforations, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III to IV, periventricular leukomalacia and stage 3 to 5 retinopathy of prematurity occurred also with similar frequency in both groups of infants. In the indomethacin prophylaxis group, 29% of the infants developed sPDA, and of them 38% responded to indomethacin treatment. In the expectantly treated group, 37% developed sPDA, and of them 59% responded to indomethacin treatment. Overall, surgical ligation rate for sPDA was similar between both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: In our experience, indomethacin prophylaxis does not show any advantages over expectant early treatment on the management of sPDA in ELBW infants. Although no deleterious effects were observed, prophylaxis exposed a significant number of infants who may have never developed sPDA, to potential indomethacin-related complications.     

Indomethacin prophylaxis or expectant treatment of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants?

BACKGROUND: Indomethacin prophylaxis or expectant treatment are common strategies for the prevention or management of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA). OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical responses of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants to indomethacin prophylaxis with that of other infants who were managed expectantly by being treated with indomethacin or surgically only after an sPDA was detected. METHODS: Retrospective cohort investigation of 167 ELBW infants who received indomethacin prophylaxis (study) and 167 ELBW infants (control) treated expectantly who were matched by year of birth (1999 to 2006), birth weight, gestational age (GA) and gender. RESULTS: Mothers of the two groups of infants were comparable demographically and on the history of preterm labor, pre-eclampsia, antepartum steroids and cesarean delivery. Study and control infants were similar in birth weight, GA, low 5 min Apgar scores, surfactant administration, the need for arterial blood pressure control, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neonatal mortality. Necrotizing enterocolitis, spontaneous intestinal perforations, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III to IV, periventricular leukomalacia and stage 3 to 5 retinopathy of prematurity occurred also with similar frequency in both groups of infants. In the indomethacin prophylaxis group, 29% of the infants developed sPDA, and of them 38% responded to indomethacin treatment. In the expectantly treated group, 37% developed sPDA, and of them 59% responded to indomethacin treatment. Overall, surgical ligation rate for sPDA was similar between both groups of patients. CONCLUSION: In our experience, indomethacin prophylaxis does not show any advantages over expectant early treatment on the management of sPDA in ELBW infants. Although no deleterious effects were observed, prophylaxis exposed a significant number of infants who may have never developed sPDA, to potential indomethacin-related complications.     

极低出生体重早产儿动脉导管未闭的治疗

目的探讨极低出生体重早产儿有临床表现的动脉导管未闭的治疗方法方法 本研究为前瞻性队列研究.2008年1月1日至2010年12月31日间出生体重＜1500 g的确诊有临床表现的动脉导管未闭早产儿78例,其中42例采用口服吲哚美辛治疗者作为治疗组,36例未治疗者为对照组.观察吲哚美辛的疗效、副作用以及对早产儿的近远期预后.结果治疗组及对照组在性别比例、胎龄、动脉导管直径、合并心力衰竭、败血症、新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征、脑室内出血的差异均无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).治疗组治疗后动脉导管关闭33例,关闭率为78.6%,高于对照组,自发关闭9例,关闭率25.0%,差异有统计学意义(χ2=22.39,P=0.000).治疗组治疗前后的血肌酐、血小板差异无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).治疗组较对照组有较少的脑室内出血发生比例(z=1.167,P=0.030)、较短的总用氧时间[分别为(8.0±5.5) d和(13.3±9.3) d,t=2.225,P=0.032]及住院时间[(39.0±7.7) d和(43.6±10.6) d,t=2.229,P=0.029],且支气管肺发育不良、坏死性小肠结肠炎的发生情况组间差异无统计学意义(P均＞0.05).治疗组中有5例药物治疗失败后使用胸腔镜钳闭动脉导管,术后3例发生肺部感染,1例出现胸腔积液,无死亡及气胸发生.结论极低出生体重早产儿有临床表现的动脉导管未闭应积极干预,口服吲哚美辛可有效关闭动脉导管,胸腔镜钳闭动脉导管可作为药物治疗失败后的一种选择.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the treatment of symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very low birth weight preterm infants. Methods From January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2010, 78 very low birth weight preterm infants (birth weight＜1500 g) were diagnosed as symptomatic PDA. Among which, 42 cases administered orally with indomethacin (0.2 mg/kg, every 12 hrs for three times) were taken as treatment group, while five cases in this group who failed to indomethacin treatment were interrupted with video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. And 36 cases who did not receive treatment for ductus arteriosus were taken as control group. The clinical outcomes, complications and prognosis of these patients were observed. Results There were no significant differences between the gentle percentage, gestational age, diameter of ductus arteriosus, rate of complicated with heart failure, sepsis, neonatal respiratory distress syndrome and intraventricular hemorrhage of two groups (P>0.05, respectively). The ductus arteriosus closed in 33 patients of treatment group (78.6%) and in nine patients of control group (25.0%)(χ2=22.39,P=0.000). There were no significant differences in serum creatinine level and platelet count between before and after the treatment in treatment group(P>0.05). Compared with control group, the treatment group had lower incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage (z=1.167, P=0.030), shorter duration of oxygen therapy [(8.0±5.5) d vs (13.3±9.3) d, t=2.225, P=0.032] and shorter hospital stay [(39.0±7.7) d vs (43.6±10.6) d, t=2.229, P=0.029]; while the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and necrotizing enterocolitis were similar (P>0.05). The five cases of PDA who received video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery were successfully interrupted with no residual shunt left, while three of them had lung infections and one had pleural effusion, but no pneumothorax and infant death associated with surgery occurred. Conclusions Symptomatic PDA of very low birth weight preterm infants should be treated actively. Oral indomethacin was an effective and safe method to cure the PDA in these infants. Surgical ligation under video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery after failure of indomethacin treatment might be a good option.     

Fluid regimens in the first week of life may increase risk of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: High fluid volumes may increase neonatal morbidity. However, evidence supporting fluid restriction is inconclusive and restricting fluids may restrict caloric intake. OBJECTIVE: To determine if higher fluid intake was associated with increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 204 ELBW (170 ml kg(-1) day(-1)) in the first days of life is associated with increased risk of PDA.     

孕母产前应用硫酸镁与早产儿动脉导管未闭的关系

目的 探讨孕母产前应用硫酸镁与早产儿动脉导管未闭(patent ductus arteriosus,PDA)的关系.方法 应用1∶1配对的病例对照研究方法,对2008年1月至2009年12月在我院新生儿科住院的93例确诊PDA的早产儿(PDA组)和93例胎龄和超声心动图检测时间匹配的动脉导管已关闭的早产儿(对照组)进行回顾性分析,收集孕母产前应用硫酸镁情况及新生儿资料.采用单因素分析、多因素Logistic回归分析等方法进行统计学分析.结果 PDA组孕母产前应用硫酸镁51例,而对照组中孕母产前应用硫酸镁34例.PDA组患儿血清镁中位浓度及百分位间距(P25～P75)为0.98 mmol/L(0.92～1.32 mmol/L),高于对照组[0.90 mmol/L(0.82～1.09)mmol/L],差异有统计学意义(Z=3.56,P=0.00).Logistic回归分析表明孕母产前应用硫酸镁(OR=2.646,95%CI:1.356～5.163,P=0.004)、胎儿窘迫(OR=7.189,95%CI:1.209～42.756,P=0.030);早产儿出生体重(OR=1.842,95%CI:1.087～3.438,P=0.049)、呼吸衰竭(OR=3.499,95%CI:1.256～9.752,P=0.017)和吸氧(OR=0.482,95%CI:0.233～0.999,P=0.045)与早产儿PDA的发生有关.而且趋势卡方检验显示,孕母产前应用硫酸镁累积量、血清镁水平与早产儿PDA呈正相关,具有剂 量效应关系(x2趋势=7.41,P=0.007;x2趋势=12.13,P=0.000).结论 孕母产前应用硫酸镁可能增加早产儿发生PDA的风险,且硫酸镁累积量、早产儿血清镁水平越高,早产儿发生PDA的风险越大.     

The effects of indomethacin tocolysis on the postnatal response of the ductus arteriosus to indomethacin in extremely low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: Antenal indomethacin reportedly decreases the responses of a symptomatic patent ductus arteriosus (sPDA) to postnatal indomethacin treatment. Whether a similar exposure affects the responses to indomethacin prophylaxis is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical responsiveness of ductus arteriosus to indomethacin prophylaxis and to the treatment of sPDA in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants following indomethacin tocolysis. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study of 58 ELBW infants whose mothers received indomethacin tocolysis (study) and 58 ELBW infants whose mothers did not (controls), matched by gender, gestational age (GA), birth weight and postnatal sPDA management (prophylaxis or early treatment). RESULTS: Indomethacin was used as a tocolytic at a median dose of 250 mg, for a duration of 2 days, and ending 1 day before delivery. Study and control mothers were comparable in demographics, antenatal steroid use, cesarean delivery, but were different in the incidence of preeclampsia and preterm labor. Study and control infants were similar in birth weight, GA, indomethacin prophylaxis, early sPDA treatment, mortality, necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage and stage 3-5 retinopathy of prematurity. Seventeen of 43 study and 16 of 43 control infants who received indomethacin prophylaxis developed sPDA and were combined with early treatment sPDA infants (15 to each group). Two of 32 study and two of 31 control infants underwent surgical ligation whereas the remaining were treated with indomethacin. Sixteen of 30 (53%) and 13 of 29 (45%) were successfully treated and did not require ligation. Study infants were divided according to their mothers' indomethacin total dose (28 infants received 225 mg). Both subgroups were demographically and clinically comparable and their response to indomethacin prophylaxis and treatment were similar. CONCLUSION: In ELBW infants, exposure to indomethacin tocolysis does not affect the clinical responsiveness of the ductus arteriosus to prophylaxis or that of the sPDA to indomethacin treatment.     

Efficacy and safety of rectal ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus closure in very low birth weight preterm infants

Background: To compare rectal ibuprofen with oral ibuprofen for the closure of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants.

Study design and subjects: In a prospective, randomized study, 72 VLBW infants who had hsPDA received either rectal or oral ibuprofen. The plasma concentration of ibuprofen and renal functions were determined in both groups by the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method and cystatin-C (cys-C), respectively.

Results: The hsPDA closure rate of the group that received rectal ibuprofen was similar to oral ibuprofen (86.1% versus 83.3%) after the first course of the treatment (p?=?0.745). A statistically significant difference was identified between the mean plasma cys-C levels before and after treatment in both the rectal and oral ibuprofen groups (p?=?0.004 and pp?>?0.05 for all values).

Conclusions: Rectal ibuprofen is as effective as oral ibuprofen for hsPDA closure in VLBW infants. The rise in the cys-C level with rectal and oral treatment shows that patients with borderline renal function should be evaluated and followed closely.     

Antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate and neuroprotection in preterm infants

Cerebral palsy is a leading cause of childhood neuromotor disability and is strongly associated with preterm delivery. Basic science research and some observational studies have suggested a neuroprotective benefit from antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate. Recent randomized controlled studies and meta-analyses suggest that antenatal exposure to magnesium sulfate before anticipated preterm birth is associated with reduction in the risk of developing cerebral palsy or its associated neurologic disabilities in surviving infants. More importantly. this benefit has been achieved without increasing the risk of perinatal mortality.     

Catheter-based closure of the patent ductus arteriosus in lower weight infants

Risks associated with drug therapy and surgical ligation have led health care providers to consider alternative strategies for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure. Catheter-based PDA closure is the procedure of choice for ductal closure in adults, children, and infants ≥6 kg. Given evidence among older counterparts, interest in catheter-based closure of the PDA in lower weight (<6 kg) infants is growing. Among these smaller infants, the goals of this review are to: (1) provide an overview of the procedure; (2) review the types of PDA closure devices; (3) review the technical success (feasibility); (4) review the risks (safety profile); (5) discuss the quality of evidence on procedural efficacy; (6) consider areas for future research. The review provided herein suggests that catheter-based PDA closure is technically feasible, but the lack of comparative trials precludes determination of the optimal strategy for ductal closure in this subgroup of infants.     

147例极低和超低出生体重儿胃肠道内喂养的影响因素

目的 分析影响极低出生体重儿(very low birth weight infant,VLBWI)和超低出生体重儿(extremely low birth weight infant,ELBWI)胃肠道内喂养的相关因素.方法 对147例出院前达到足量胃肠道内喂养,即奶量达到120 ml/(kg·d)的VLBWI和ELBWI的临床资料进行回顾性研究,分析影响胃肠道内喂养的相关因素.对服从双变量正态分布的资料,采用Pearson法进行相关性分析,否则采用Spearman法进行相关性分析;应用t检验进行单因素分析;应用多元线性回归探讨达足量胃肠道内喂养时间的影响因素.结果 147例研究对象的平均胎龄(31.0±2.0)周;平均出生体重(1246±185)g;达到足量胃肠道内喂养的时间为(24.4±10.5)d.单因素分析显示出生体重(r=-0.477,P=0.000)、胎龄(r=-0.405,P=0.000)、机械通气时间(r=0.393,P=0.000)、开奶日龄(r=0.318,P=0.000)、开奶量(r=-0.263,P=0.001)、第3天奶量(r=-0.412,P=0.000)及第7天奶量(r=-0.592,P=0.000)、新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征(t=3.368,P=0.001)、血糖异常(t=3.285,P=0.001)、败血症(t=3.244,P=0.001)、脐静脉置管(t=3.571,P=0.000)、应用氨茶碱(t=4.341,P=0.000)、光疗(t=3.054,P=0.003)与达到足量喂养时间相关.多元线性回归分析显示出生体重(t=4.175,P=0.000)、开奶日龄(t=2.851,P=0.005)、应用氨茶碱(t=2.231,P=0.027)、光疗(t=2.852,P=0.005)、败血症(t=3.895,P=0.000和第7天奶量(t=7.332,P=0.000)与达到足量喂养时间相关.结论 VLBWI和ELBWI的喂养不但受消化道成熟程度影响,还受其他胃肠道外相关因素的影响,因此应综合考虑临床各方面的具体情况,正确实施胃肠道内喂养.

Abstract：

Objective To summarize and analyze the impact factors on enteral feeding in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and extremely low birth weight infants (ELBWI). Methods A retrospective study was carried out in VLBWI and ELBWI who had achieved full enteral feeding prior to discharge. The impact factors correlated to the time of achieving full enteral feeding were analyzed. If the data underwent bi-variable normal distribution, they were analyzed with Pearson correlation test; otherwise they would be analyzed with Spearman correlation test. T test was used for single factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis was carried out to determine the significant risk factors associated with the time of achieving full enteral feeding. Results One hundred and forty-seven infants with mean gestational age of (31.0±2.0) weeks, mean birth weight of (1246±185) g and mean time of achieving full enteral feeding of (24. 4± 10. 5) days were admitted. With the single factor analysis, it was found that birth weight (r=- 0. 477, P = 0. 000), gestational age (r = - 0. 405, P= 0. 000), mechanical ventilation duration (r= 0. 393, P = 0. 000), the time began to enteral feeding (r = 0. 318, P = 0. 000), initial milk volume (r = - 0. 263, P = 0. 001 ), the milk volume on the third day (r= -0. 412, P=0. 000) and the seventh day (r= -0. 592, P=0. 000),neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (t = 3. 368, P = 0. 001), umbilical catheterization (t = 3. 571,P=0. 000), abnormal blood glucose level (t=3. 285, P=0. 001), aminophylline using (t=4. 341,P=0. 000), phototherapy (t=3. 054, P=0. 003) and sepsis (t=3. 244, P=0. 001) were correlated to the time of achieving full enteral feeding. Multiple linear regression showed that the birth weight (t=4. 175, P= 0. 000), the time began to enteral feeding (t= 2. 851, P = 0. 005), aminophylline using (t=2. 231, P=0. 027), sepsis (t=3. 895, P=0. 000), phototherapy (t=2. 852, P=0. 005)and the milk volume on the seventh day (t= 7. 332, P=0. 000) were significantly correlated with the time of achieving full enteral feeding. Conclusions The enteral feeding of VLBWI and ELBWI was not only influenced by maturity of gastrointestinal tract, but also by other parenteral correlation factors. Multiple factors associated with all around clinical conditions should be considered when providing enteral feeding for VLBWI and ELBWI.     

Hyperglycemia and morbidity and mortality in extremely low birth weight infants.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the association between hyperglycemia and mortality and late-onset infections (>72 h) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort study of 201 ELBW infants who survived greater than 3 days after birth. Mean morning glucose levels were categorized as normoglycemia (<120 mg/dl), mild-moderate hyperglycemia (120 to 179 mg/dl) and severe hyperglycemia (> or =180 mg/dl). Hyperglycemia was further divided into early (first 3 days of age) and persistent (first week of age). Logistic regression was performed to assess whether hyperglycemia was associated with either mortality or late-onset culture-proven infection, measured after 3 and 7 days of age. RESULTS: Adjusting for age, the odds ratio (OR) for either dying or developing a late infection was 5.07 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.06 to 24.3) for infants with early severe hyperglycemia and 6.26 (95% CI: 0.73 to 54.0) for infants with persistent severe hyperglycemia. Adjusting for age, both severe early and persistent hyperglycemia were associated with increased mortality. Among survivors, there was no significant association between hyperglycemia and length of mechanical ventilation or length of hospital stay. Persistent severe hyperglycemia was associated with the development of Stage II/III necrotizing enterocolitis, after adjusting for age and male gender (OR: 9.49, 95% CI: 1.52 to 59.3). CONCLUSION: Severe hyperglycemia in the first few days after birth is associated with increased odds of death and sepsis in ELBW infants.     

Early onset hyperkalemia in extremely low birth weight infants

The incidence of hyperkalemia and associated clinical features in extremely preterm infants were determined by reviewing medical records of 32 infants with birth weights of less than or equal to 800 g born during a 1-year period. Hyperkalemia, defined as serum potassium concentration of greater than 6.5 mEq/L, occurred in 12 infants on the first day of life and in four others on the second day. Six infants (38%) had electrocardiographic abnormalities associated with hyperkalemia. Infants with hyperkalemia were less mature than infants with normal potassium levels. All infants of less than 25 weeks' gestation developed hyperkalemia. Fluid intakes and urine flow rates were lower and body weight loss greater during the first 24 hours of hospitalization for hyperkalemic infants. Hyperkalemia frequently occurs within the first 48 hours of life in extremely immature infants. Serum potassium should be monitored closely to avoid life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias in these infants.     

81例超低出生体重儿的临床救治及转归

目的 总结超低出生体重儿(extremely low birth weight infant,ELBWI)的救治及转归特点. 方法 对北京军区总医院附属八一儿童医院2008年10月1日至2011年8月31日收治的81例ELBWI的临床资料进行回顾性分析,卡方检验比较不同胎龄和出生体重ELBWI的救治存活率及病死率. 结果 81例ELBWI中,男43例,女38例,胎龄(28.4±2.1)周,出生体重(903.5±95.4)g.(1)院内发生的合并症和并发症主要有新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征(84.0％,68/81)、动脉导管未闭(58.0％,47/81)、早产儿视网膜病变(50.6％,41/81)、脑室内出血(28.4％,23/81)、支气管肺发育不良(21.0％,17/81)、败血症(18.5％,15/81)、脑室周围白质软化(2.5％,2/81)和新生儿坏死性小肠结肠炎(1.2％,1/81).(2)治疗措施:81例患儿中,96.3％(n=78)曾吸氧,平均用氧时间为19.1d(中位数11d,0～121 d).70.4％(n=57)应用肺表面活性物质,27.2％(n=22)应用经鼻持续气道正压通气,34.6％ (n=28)接受常频机械通气,14.8％(n=12)接受高频机械通气.47例动脉导管未闭患儿均接受布洛芬治疗,其中6例药物治疗无效者手术结扎动脉导管.41例早产儿视网膜病变患儿中的20例接受激光手术.91.4％(n=74例)曾接受全胃肠外营养,平均开奶日龄为5.2d(中位日龄6d,0～17 d),平均达全胃肠道喂养时间为31 d(中位数28 d,7～65 d).(3)转归:81例ELBWI救治存活率65.4％(53/81),放弃治疗率28.4％(23/81),住院病死率6.2％(5/81).胎龄≤26、～28和＞28周的ELBWI的救治存活率逐渐提高[25.0(4/16/)、72.0％(18/25)和77.5％ (31/40)],住院病死率逐渐下降[12.5(2/16)、8.0％ (2/25)和2.5％ (1/40)].出生体重≤800、～900和～1000 g的ELBWI的救治存活率逐渐提高[33.3％(4/12)、58.3％(14/24)和77.8％ (35/45)],住院病死率逐渐降低[16.7(2/12)、8.3％(2/24)和2.2％ (1/45)]. 结论 ELBWI转归与出生胎龄和体重密切相关,专业、精细的治疗有助于提高存活率、改善整体预后.     

Fluid management during the first postnatal day in very low birth weight neonates and rates of patent ductus arteriosus requiring treatment

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested an association between high maintenance fluid volumes during the first several postnatal days and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring treatment in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. However, no studies have specifically examined fluid administration during the first postnatal day with regard to PDA-related outcomes. We seek to determine whether additional intravenous fluid administration beyond prescribed goals during the first postnatal day is associated with PDA requiring treatment.

Materials and methods: Retrospective data were collected from neonates with birth weight <1250?g. Infants receiving fluids beyond initially documented goals, stratified by relative degree of additional fluids, were compared to those receiving no additional intravenous fluids for the primary outcome of PDA requiring treatment and secondarily for other neonatal morbidities.

Results: Two hundred VLBW neonates were included. Controlling for birth weight and gestational age, fluid administration beyond prescribed goals during the first postnatal day was not associated with increased PDA requiring treatment. Additionally, no statistically significant associations between additional fluids and secondary outcomes were observed.

Conclusions: No significant relationship between fluid volumes during the first postnatal day and PDA requiring treatment were observed. Further prospective analysis of early fluid management in VLBW neonates is warranted.     

Improved outcome of extremely low birth weight infants with Tegaderm application to skin.

OBJECTIVE: Significant fluid and electrolyte disturbances occur in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants in the first few days of life. We investigated the effect of semipermeable polyurethane membrane (Tegaderm) applied to the skin shortly after birth on fluid and electrolyte status and the clinical outcome in these infants. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed charts of ELBW infants (BW<1.0 kg) born during 24 months prior to Tegaderm application and 19 months after starting Tegaderm. Data were collected daily from the first week of life and additional clinical morbidities were compared. RESULTS: A total of 39 infants from pre-Tegaderm period (NOTEG) (mean+/-SD, BW 756+/-158 g, GA 26.1+/-1.9 weeks) were compared to 30 infants with extensive Tegaderm application to chest, abdomen and extremities (TEG) (BW 802+/-160 g, GA 26.3+/-1.8 weeks). The groups were similar in maternal demographics as well as postnatal surfactant use. Throughout the first week of life, serum Na levels, daily fluid intake and daily weight loss were significantly higher in the NOTEG infants (all P< or =0.04) while BUN/Serum creatinine levels were similar. Hypernatremia (Na>150 mEq/l) developed in 51% of NOTEG infants compared to 17% of TEG (P=0.0005) and daily fluid intake > or =170 ml/kg/day was required in 54 vs 13% (P=0.0008), respectively. The mean time to regain BW was significantly longer in NOTEG vs TEG infants, 20.7+/-7.4 vs 15.8+/-6.3 days, respectively (P<0.02). There were no statistical significant differences among the groups in incidence of IVH, NEC, PDA or nosocomial sepsis; however, respiratory outcome was better in TEG infants. They had significantly less BPD (58% in NOTEG vs 22% TEG (P=0.01)) and fewer infants in the TEG group required supplemental oxygen at discharge (58% vs 22% (P=0.01)). Survival was significantly higher in TEG 90% vs 64% in NOTEG infants (P=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Semipermeable polyurethane membrane application to skin of ELBW infants shortly after birth decreased postnatal fluid and electrolyte disturbances and significantly improved their outcome by reducing severity of lung disease and decreasing mortality.