The value of Ureaplasma urealyticum tracheal culture and treatment in premature infants following an acute respiratory deterioration.

OBJECTIVE: To determine if treatment of Ureaplasma urealyticum (Uu), found at the time of an acute respiratory deterioration, decreases the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD) in very low birth weight infants (VLBW). STUDY DESIGN: Between 1996 and 1999, medical records of all mechanically ventilated VLBW infants, who had an acute respiratory deterioration, were reviewed for gestational age (GA), birth weight (BW), gender, presence of CLD, Uu tracheal cultures, and erythromycin treatment. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients met our inclusion criteria (GA: 26.2+/-1.7 weeks, BW: 737+/-167.1 g (mean+/-SD)). Uu was present in 46.3% (38/82) of patients with CLD versus 50% (9/18) of patients without CLD (odds ratio 0.86 (CI: 0.31 to 2.39); p=0.77). Erythromycin treatment was not found to be protective against the development of CLD (odds ratio: 1.46 (CI: 0.25 to 8.31); p=0.66). CONCLUSION: Following an acute respiratory deterioration, tracheal isolation, and treatment of Uu may not decrease the incidence of CLD in VLBW infants.