Profile of infants born to drug‐using mothers: A state‐wide audit

Aims: To ascertain the characteristics and short‐term outcomes of infants born to illicit drug‐using mothers in public hospitals in the state of New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory during 2004. Methods: Patients were identified retrospectively by hospital records searches using ICD‐10 morbidity codes and records of local Drug and Alcohol Services. Records were reviewed on site. All public hospitals (n= 101) with obstetric services were included. Results: A total of 879 (1.4%, 95% confidence interval: 1.3–1.5%) drug‐using mothers were identified from 62 682 confinements. Opiates (46.8%), amphetamines (23.0%) and polydrug (16.4%) exposure were most common. There were eight stillbirths. Among these 871 infants, prematurity (23.6%) and low birthweight (27.1%) were common and 51.1% were admitted to nurseries for further care. Two infants died. Major congenital anomalies were detected in 15 infants. Pharmacological treatment for withdrawal was required for 202 (23.2%), and 143 (70.8%) infants were discharged home on medication. Infants who completed inpatient pharmacological treatment were hospitalised longer (median 26.0 vs. 12.0 days) and were more likely to be premature (37.3 vs. 14.0%). Child‐at‐risk notifications affected 40.6% of the infants, and 7.6% were fostered prior to discharge. A total of 333 (38.2%) infants were breastfed at discharge. Conclusions: Our regional study highlights a substantial prevalence of drug use in pregnancy with considerable adverse perinatal and hospital outcomes in infants born to these mothers. Coordinated health care and resources are needed to support these mother–infant pairs because of their social, medical and mental‐health issues.     

Energy expenditure in very low birth weight newborns: a comparison between small and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age

Aims: To compare resting energy expenditure (REE) in small‐ and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age very low birth weight newborns after reaching corrected at‐term age. Methods: Observational study that included all clinically stable very low birth weight newborns admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit. The newborns were classified as small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) and appropriate‐for‐gestational‐age (AGA). Resting energy expenditure was measured using indirect calorimetry when the newborns reached at‐term age. Results: A total of 51 newborns, of which 23 were SGA and 28 AGA, were included. There was no statistically significant difference in REE between the two groups, although the observed levels were higher than the reference values. Conclusion: There is no statistical difference in resting expenditure energy between SGA and AGA infants when they reached term. The higher energy expenditure found in both groups may be explained by other factors related to prematurity and its complications and requires further investigation.     

‘Whatever decision you make it will be the right one’: A parent's reflection on difficult decision‐making in premature birth

In 2007, our daughter Lily was born prematurely. My husband and I were faced with a very difficult decision about the level of intervention for her, a decision that had to be made in an emergency situation under the pressure of time. As a paediatric nurse I had more knowledge about prematurity than most parents, and it was certainly enough to appreciate the fragility of babies born early, and their uncertain and often complicated path through neonatal intensive care. What I didn't fully appreciate was the key role of health professionals, not only in providing care, but in supporting difficult decision‐making. In the years since Lily's birth I've also reflected on the power of health professionals to shape, or reshape, the narrative of premature birth which is pivotal in the long‐term psychological trajectory of parents.     

Weight gain in infancy and post‐bronchiolitis wheezing

Aim: Low birth weight, high birth weight and excessive weight gain after birth may be risk factors for asthma in childhood, but their associations with wheezing in early childhood are poorly studied. The aim of the study was to evaluate birth weight, weight gain in early infancy and overweight in infancy assessed by weight for length (WFL) as risk factors for wheezing after hospitalization for bronchiolitis in early infancy. Methods: In all, 127 full‐term infants hospitalized for bronchiolitis at age <6 months have been followed up until the mean age of 1.5 years. The weights and lengths of the infants were measured on admission to hospital and at the control visit. Birth weights were obtained from the hospital records. Results: Both occurrence and recurrence of post‐bronchiolitis wheezing were associated with birth weight >4000 g and the recurrence of post‐bronchiolitis wheezing with WFL >110% at age 1.5 years. The associations were robust to adjustments with gender and allergy. Higher weight gain from birth to hospitalization at age <6 months was associated with wheezing in the subgroup of children with birth weight >4000 g. Conclusion: High birth weight and the development of overweight may be associated with post‐bronchiolitis wheezing in infancy.     

Incidence of and risk factors for neonatal morbidity after active perinatal care: extremely preterm infants study in Sweden (EXPRESS)

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of neonatal morbidity in extremely preterm infants and to identify associated risk factors. Methods: Population based study of infants born before 27 gestational weeks and admitted for neonatal intensive care in Sweden during 2004–2007. Results: Of 638 admitted infants, 141 died. Among these, life support was withdrawn in 55 infants because of anticipation of poor long‐term outcome. Of 497 surviving infants, 10% developed severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH), 5.7% cystic periventricular leucomalacia (cPVL), 41% septicaemia and 5.8% necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC); 61% had patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and 34% developed retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) stage ≥3. Eighty‐five per cent needed mechanical ventilation and 25% developed severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Forty‐seven per cent survived to one year of age without any severe IVH, cPVL, severe ROP, severe BPD or NEC. Tocolysis increased and prolonged mechanical ventilation decreased the chances of survival without these morbidities. Maternal smoking and higher gestational duration were associated with lower risk of severe ROP, whereas PDA and poor growth increased this risk. Conclusion: Half of the infants surviving extremely preterm birth suffered from severe neonatal morbidities. Studies on how to reduce these morbidities and on the long‐term health of survivors are warranted.     

Optimal birth weight percentile cut‐offs in defining small‐ or large‐for‐gestational‐age

Aims: It remains questionable what birth weight for gestational age percentile cut‐offs should be used in defining clinically important poor or excessive foetal growth. We aimed to evaluate the optimal birth weight percentile cut‐offs for defining small‐ or large‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA or LGA). Methods: In a birth cohort‐based analysis of 17 979 120 non‐malformation singleton live births, U.S. 1995–2001, we assessed the optimal birth weight percentile cut‐offs for defining SGA and LGA. The 25th–75th percentile group served as the reference. Primary outcomes are the risk ratios (RR) of neonatal death and low 5‐min Apgar score (<4) comparing SGA or LGA versus the reference group. More than 2‐fold risk elevations were considered clinically significant. Results: The 15th birth weight cut‐off already identified SGA infants at more than 2‐fold risk of neonatal death at pre‐term, term or post‐term, except for extremely pre‐term births <28 weeks (continuous risk reductions over increasing birth weight percentiles). LGA was associated with a reduced risk of low 5‐min Apgar score at pre‐term, but an elevated risk at term and post‐term. The 97th cut‐off identified LGA infants at 2‐fold risk of low 5‐min Apgar at term. Conclusion: The commonly used 10th and 90th birth weight percentile cut‐offs for defining SGA and LGA respectively seem largely arbitrary. The 15th and 97th percentiles may be the optimal cut‐offs to define SGA and LGA respectively.     

Health impact of catch‐up growth in low‐birth weight infants: systematic review,evidence appraisal,and meta‐analysis

This study aimed to systematically review and appraise evidence on the short‐term (e.g. morbidity, mortality) and long‐term (obesity and non‐communicable diseases, NCDs) health consequences of catch‐up growth (vs. no catch‐up growth) in individuals with a history of low birth weight (LBW).We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Global Health, CINAHL plus, Cochrane Library, ProQuest Dissertations and Thesis and reference lists. Study quality was assessed using the risk of bias assessment tool from the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, and the evidence base was assessed using the GRADE tool. Eight studies in seven cohorts (two from high‐income countries, five from low‐middle‐income countries) met the inclusion criteria for short‐term (mean age: 13.4 months) and/or longer‐term (mean age: 11.1 years) health outcomes of catch‐up growth, which had occurred by 24 or 59 months. Of five studies on short‐term health outcomes, three found positive associations between weight catch‐up growth and body mass and/or glucose metabolism; one suggested reduced risk of hospitalisation and mortality with catch‐up growth. Three studies on longer‐term health outcomes found catch‐up growth were associated with higher body mass, BMI or cholesterol. GRADE assessment suggested that evidence quantity and quality were low. Catch‐up growth following LBW may have benefits for the individual with LBW in the short term, and may have adverse population health impacts in the long‐term, but the evidence is limited. Future cohort studies could address the question of the consequences of catch‐up growth following LBW more convincingly, with a view to informing future prevention of obesity and NCDs. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd     

Use of medical services by very preterm children during the first year of life in the Epipage cohort]

OBJECTIVES: To compare the use of health and social services between children born before 33 weeks (very preterm), children born at 33 or 34 weeks (moderately preterm) and children born at 39 or 40 weeks (full term). POPULATION AND METHODS: All very preterm children born in 1997 in nine French regions and a representative sample of the two other groups were followed up since birth. Data on the use of services between discharge from initial neonatal hospitalisation and the 9 months after birth were obtained by mail questionnaire filled in by parents. RESULTS: 38.2% of very preterm children, 24.3% of moderately preterm children and 10.3% of full term children were admitted to hospital at least once. Respiratory tract disorder was the main reason for rehospitalisation of very preterm children. The total number of visits, visits to specialists, and chest therapy were more frequent among very preterm children than among the two other groups. CONCLUSION: Medical care of very preterm children is intensive after discharge from initial neonatal hospitalisation. Need of services are also substantial for moderately preterm children.     

The choice of place of delivery. Effect of hospital level on mortality in all singleton births in New York City

In an analysis of all singleton births and neonatal deaths with known birth weights and gestational ages in New York City maternity services during a three-year period (1976 to 1978), intensive care services at the hospital of birth were found to influence mortality only in preterm (less than 37 weeks' gestation) or low-birth-weight infants (less than 2251 g). By contrast, for infants who were born at term and of normal birth weight, mortality rates did not differ by level of perinatal care available at the hospital of birth. On the average, preterm and low-birth-weight infants were at a 24% higher risk of death if birth occurred outside of a level 3 center, regardless of whether birth occurred at a level 1 or level 2 hospital. Preterm and low-birth-weight infants, though constituting only 12% of births, accounted for 70% of neonatal deaths in New York City. The remaining infants, ie, those born at term and of normal birth weight, who experienced no measurable mortality advantage when born in a level 3 hospital, accounted for 88% of all births.     

Health service utilisation of a regional cohort of very preterm infants over the first 2 years of life

AIM: Very preterm infants represent major consumers of health services following neonatal discharge. We examined the health service utilisation of a regional cohort of very preterm infants over the first 2 years of life, including the association with neurodevelopmental outcome. METHODS: A regionally based 2-year cohort of 100 very preterm infants along with a comparison sample of 104 full term control infants matched for sex, time and place of birth were recruited. Perinatal and social background factors that predispose very preterm infants to increased risk of subsequent general practitioner (GP) and hospital service use were identified. At 2 years, all children underwent a neurodevelopmental assessment, Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID-II). Details of children's medical contacts obtained by parent interview were cross-checked against GP and hospital records/databases. RESULTS: Very preterm infants had a similar number of GP visits to term infants but more outpatient hospital visits. Fifty-three (55%) very preterm infants were admitted to hospital on 131 occasions compared with 26 (26%) term infants on 37 occasions (p<0.001). The main reason for hospitalisation in the preterm cohort was respiratory disorder. The frequency of hospital admissions was significantly related to birthweight (P=0.01), gestational age (P<0.001) and the number of people living in the family household (P=0.02). No associations were found between hospital admission and neurodevelopment at 2 years. CONCLUSION: Very preterm infants had higher rates of hospital admissions and visits than term infants unrelated to neurodevelopmental outcome at 2 years of age. These findings highlight that very preterm birth is associated with ongoing health morbidity.     

Effects of early therapy with indomethacin on the manifestation of a persistent ductus arteriosus in extremely underweight premature infants

In a randomized study the effect of an early prophylactic indomethacin treatment on the incidence of the patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very low birth weight infants (VLBWI) and their postnatal course were investigated. 19 VLBWI (weight 1221 +/- 158 g, gestational age 28.2 +/- 1.3 weeks) received 0.2 mg/kg indomethacin 3 times p.o. in 12 h intervals beginning on the 3rd day of life. 22 VLBWI with comparable weight (1250 +/- 154 g, gestational age 28.4 +/- 1 weeks), mode of delivery and postnatal adaptation served as controls. PDA was diagnosed clinically and by a decreased ratio of the systolic time intervals preejection period (PEP)/left ventricular ejection time (LVET) less than 0.3. PDA were seen in 7 indomethacin treated VLBWI and in 13 newborns of the control group. A symptomatic PDA developed in 4 infants of the latter group only. The indomethacin group was characterized by an increased ratio PEP/LVET from day 3 to 5 as an evidence for a diminished ductal shunt. Their weight loss was 3% lower and they regained their birth weight 5 days earlier. Otherwise, there were no differences in mortality and morbidity. Despite the proven efficacy of an early indomethacin treatment its use is recommended only for infants with a high risk for a PDA substantiated by a low ratio PEP/LVET less than or equal to 0.24 at the 3rd day of life.     

Outcome of very-low-birth-weight (< 1,500 grams) infants born to mothers with diabetes

Premature delivery is common in pregnancies complicated by maternal diabetes. However, the outcome of very-low-birth-weight infants (VLBWI) born to mothers with diabetes is not known. Employing a matched double-cohort design, we investigated the influence of maternal diabetes on the outcome of VLBWI born in Winnipeg from 1988 to 1994. We compared mortality rates and early and late morbidity rates in VLBWI born to mothers with diabetes mellitus (DM) (cases, n = 43, 23 with gestational DM and 20 with pregestational DM) and without DM (controls, n = 539). Controls were matched for gestational age (GA), sex, and the year of birth. All subjects were enrolled in the Newborn Follow-Up Program. Relative risks and 95% confidence limits were calculated for each variable and Chi 2 analysis, Student t-test, and Mann-Whitney test were used as appropriate for analysis. Diabetes mellitus control was assessed by conventional criteria. There were no differences between cases and controls in mode of delivery, birth weight (mean +/- SD, 1,160 +/- 25 g vs 1,110 +/- 26 g), GA (29 +/- 2.8 wk vs 29 +/- 2.4 wk), smallness for gestational age (35% vs 30%), head circumference (26.5 +/- 1.9 vs 26.2 +/- 2.2 cm), length (38.8 +/- 2.8 vs 37.5 +/- 3.7 cm), Apgar score < 4 at 1 min (42% vs 40%) and < 7 at 5 min (37% vs 42%). Incidence of hyaline membrane disease (60% vs 71%), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (33% vs 31%), patent ductus arteriosus (30% vs 43%), necrotizing enterocolitis (12% vs 12%), sepsis (23% vs 25%), acute renal failure (9% vs 10%), intraventricular hemorrhage--all grades (74% vs 64%), retinopathy of prematurity--all stages (30% vs 26%), median days on ventilator (4 vs 4 days), and median days on supplemental oxygen (46 vs 42 days) were similar in both groups (p = NS, 95% confidence limits included 1 for all of these variables). There was no significant difference in mortality (21% vs 15%) or the incidence of major congenital anomalies. Weight, head circumference, and length at 6, 12, and 18 months were similar in both groups. There were no group differences in developmental quotients, prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairments, respiratory morbidity, or number of hospitalizations up to the last follow-up (18 months). Our data suggest that with contemporary perinatal care there is no significant increase in mortality rates or early and late morbidity rates between VLBWI born to mothers with DM and VLBWI of nondiabetic mothers. It seems that with reasonable diabetic control, prematurity rather than the diabetic state determines the neonatal outcome, and this knowledge can be useful in parental counselling.     

Growth charts for monitoring postnatal growth at NICU of extreme preterm-born infants

Aim: To provide growth charts for clinical monitoring of extra‐uterine growth from birth to full‐term age, in infants born before 26 weeks of gestation, hospitalized at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and compare it to the commonly used Swedish preterm birth‐size reference. Methods: This retrospective longitudinal cohort comprised all infants born before 26 + 0 weeks of gestation and surviving to full‐term age (n = 162), admitted to the NICU, Karolinska Hospital during the period January 1990 to December 2002. Body weight was recorded daily, head circumference (HC) weekly and length twice a month. Results: Birth weight (BW), length and HC showed a normal distribution without significant gender difference. The majority of the infants showed a pronounced postnatal growth restriction for all growth variables with increasing deviation from the reference with age. The mean initial weight loss was 16% with nadir at 6 days of age and a mean time to regain BW of 18 days. At discharge from NICU, 75% of those initially appropriate for gestational age infants were below –2 standard deviation scores for at least one of the body size variables. Conclusion: The poor extra‐uterine growth pattern points to the need of growth curves for extra‐uterine growth of extremely premature infants.     

Mortality in out‐of‐hospital premature births

Aim: To determine whether the mortality for out‐of‐hospital (OOH) premature births was higher than for in‐hospital premature births and identify additional risk factors. Patients and Methods: A historical cohort study of a consecutive series of live‐born, OOH, births of 24–35 weeks gestation cared for by two Transport Teams working in and around Paris, France 1994–2005. Matching with in‐hospital births was according to gestational age, antenatal steroid use, the mode of delivery and nearest year of birth. Results: Eighty‐five OOH premature births were identified, of whom 83 met inclusion criteria, and 132 matching in‐hospital premature births were selected. There was 18% mortality in the OOH group compared with 8% for the in‐hospital group [p = 0.04, OR 2.9, (CI 95% 1.0–8.4)]. Variables significantly associated (p < 0.05) with the OOH birth were HIV infection, lower maternal age and endo‐tracheal intubation, lack of medical follow‐up during pregnancy, low temperature and low birth weight. Conclusions: Mortality was more than twice as high in out‐of‐hospital deliveries than for in‐hospital matched controls. Hypothermia was an important associated risk factor. Measures such as oxygen administration to maintain an appropriate saturation for gestational age, the provision of polyethylene plastic wraps and skin‐to‐skin contact are recommended.     

极低出生体重儿血胃泌素和胃动素水平动态研究

目的探讨极低出生体重儿生后1周内血胃泌素(GAS)和胃动素(MOT)水平的动态变化。方法用放射免疫法分别测定20例极低出生体重儿(体重<1500 g)、20例低出生体重儿(体重1500～2500 g)生后12 h、24 h、72 h和7天的血GAS、MOT水平,将15例健康足月儿(体重>2500 g)作对照组。结果 (1)极低出生体重儿组生后12 h、24 h、72 h和7天GAS、MOT水平均明显低于对照组(P<0.01);MOT水平低于低出生体重儿组(P<0.01或P<0.05),GAS水平与低出生体重儿组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(2)各组生后72 h内血GAS、MOT水平变化不明显,对照组和低出生体重儿组7天时明显高于72 h(P<0.01),极低出生体重儿组MOT 7天时高于72 h(P<0.05),GAS水平变化差异无统计学意义(P>0.05)。(3)≤33周组各时间点GAS、MOT水平均低于≥37周组(P<0.01)。结论 GAS、MOT水平与新生儿体重、胎龄密切相关。极低出生体重儿生后1周内消化功能低下,GAS、MOT水平先降后升,但变化幅度没有低出生体重儿和足月儿明显,提示功能追赶需要更长时间,临床应选择合适的喂养时机和方式。     

极低出生体质量儿脑损伤及高危因素分析

目的调查极低出生体质量儿脑损伤发病情况,分析其高危因素,以降低发病率,改善神经发育预后。方法回顾性分析181例极低出生体质量儿脑损伤发生情况,分析脑损伤组与无损伤组在基本情况、产科病理症、干预措施、合并症方面的差异,并对相关危险因素行Logistic回归分析。结果181例极低出生体质量儿中检出脑损伤78例,发生率43.09%。其中,脑室周围-脑室内出血(PVH-IVH)67例(Ⅰ级43例,Ⅱ级12例,Ⅲ级10例,Ⅳ级2例),发生率37.01%;脑室周围白质软化(PVL)12例,发生率6.63%,其中1例合并Ⅲ级IVH。胎龄越低,脑损伤发生率越高;脑损伤组与无损伤组在性别、胎数、出生体质量、分娩方式、宫内窘迫、胎膜早破、母亲妊高征、胎盘早剥、宫内发育迟缓(IUGR)方面差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。在治疗措施方面,除氨茶碱两组无差异外,应用肺表面活性物质(PS)、经鼻持续正压通气(nCPAP)、常频通气、高频通气治疗在脑损伤发生率方面差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。在合并症方面,两组在窒息、新生儿呼吸窘迫综合征(NRDS)、高碳酸血症、代谢性酸中毒、高血糖、贫血、动脉导管未闭(PDA)发生率差异有统计学意义(P0.05),在低血糖、败血症、血小板减少、呼吸暂停、肺出血、高胆红素血症差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。Logistic回归分析显示NRDS、PDA、高频震荡通气是脑损伤最重要的高危因素。结论极低出生体质量儿是脑损伤高危人群。应用PS、nCPAP、常频通气、高频通气以及窒息、NRDS、高碳酸血症、代谢性酸中毒、高血糖、贫血、PDA与脑损伤发生相关联,其中NRDS、PDA、高频震荡通气是重要高危因素。     

Policy benchmarking report on neonatal health and social policies in 13 European countries

Background and aim: Preterm birth is the major cause of infant mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries. In Europe, the prevalence rate of premature birth ranges from 5.5 to 11.4% ‐ an average of 7.1% of all live births. In this report, we aim to compare the current health and social policies, as well as practices in 13 EU member states. Materials and methods: Using desk research, relevant information was gathered from each of the 13 European countries with regard to the prevalence of preterm birth, the cost of preterm birth to healthcare budgets, and the relevant policies, guidelines and practices in place at the national and, in some cases, regional level. The information comes from a range of sources, including government and parent association websites, published scientific literature and media reports. Results: Despite the growing prevalence and increasing costs, neonatal and preterm infant health rank low on the policy agendas of EU member states. Conclusion: Based on the findings, there are a number of recommendations that should be considered. The European Union should (i) recognize the growing challenge of prematurity in Europe and its significant impact on infant morbidity and mortality, (ii) improve neonatal health through the development and implementation of coordinated EU health and social policies, (iii) address the lack of comparable European data on prematurity, including prevalence, mortality, acute morbidity and long‐term impairment, (iv) also increase the standard of neonatal care across Europe by supporting the development and implementation of European medical guidelines and quality standards, (v) support the development of European postgraduate training programmes in Peri‐ and Neonatology in order to increase the quality and availability of trained healthcare professionals.     

Cost of care for a geographically determined population of low birthweight infants to age 8-9 years. I. Children without disability.

AIM: To determine the extra cost of healthcare associated with low birthweight, in a cohort study of a geographically defined population in five health districts that comprise Merseyside. METHODS: The study comprised all children of birthweight < or = 1500 g and a 10% random sample of those weighing 1501-2000 g, without clinical disability, born in 1980 and 1981 to mothers resident in Merseyside, and their controls, matched by age, sex, and school class, followed up to age 8-9 years. RESULTS: The cost of care associated with the initial admission to the neonatal special/intensive care unit and subsequent use of hospital and family practitioner services was assessed. There were 641 survivors without disability and 227 non-survivors who weighed < or = 2000 g at birth. The mean cost of neonatal care per low birthweight child was 13 times greater than for a control child. For children weighing < or = 1000 g at birth, neonatal costs were 55 times greater than for the control children. Low birthweight children continue to use hospital and family practitioner services more intensively than controls to age 8-9 years. CONCLUSION: Low birthweight children used hospital and family practitioner services more intensively throughout the follow up period. Whether the increased use of health services persists into adolescence and adulthood is yet to be determined.     

Oral D‐penicillamine for the prevention of retinopathy of prematurity in very low birth weight infants: a randomized,placebo‐controlled trial

Purpose: To compare prophylactic enteral D‐penicillamine (DPA) with placebo for prevention of ‘retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) or death’ among very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Methods: This was a double‐blind, single‐centre, randomized, placebo‐controlled trial with stratification (for birth weight <1250 and ≥1250 g) and blocking. Inborn neonates with birth weight 750–1500 g, gestation ≤32 weeks, age ≤5 days, who tolerated feeds were eligible. Neonates with gastro‐intestinal malformations, life‐threatening malformations and necrotizing enterocolitis were excluded. Enrolled subjects were randomly allocated to receive oral DPA suspension at 100 mg/kg/dose 8 h for 3 days, followed by 50 mg/kg/day for another 11 days or placebo. The primary outcome was ‘any ROP or death’. Secondary outcomes included any ROP, treatable ROP, adverse effects and feed intolerance. Results: A total of 88 subjects were enrolled. Baseline characteristics were similar with the exception of multiple gestation. There were no significant differences in primary and secondary outcomes, even after adjusting for multiple gestation and on sub‐group analysis. No adverse reaction was noted. Conclusion: Prophylactic enterally administered DPA suspension in a dose 100 mg/kg/dose 8 h for 3 days, followed by 50 mg/kg once per day for next 11 days, does not prevent ‘any stage ROP or death’ or ‘ROP requiring treatment’ in VLBW infants. DPA is well tolerated and does not have any major short‐term adverse effects.