Improved survival and neurodevelopmental outcome after prolonged ventilation in preterm neonates who have received antenatal steroids and surfactant.
OBJECTIVE
To assess survival and neurodevelopmental outcome following prolonged ventilation beyond 27 or 49 days of postnatal life in neonates treated with antenatal steroids and surfactant.


METHODS
The medical records of 84 babies born in 1994-1996 requiring ventilation after 27 postnatal days at Liverpool Women's Hospital were reviewed to determine the duration of mechanical ventilation, survival, and neurodevelopmental outcome at 3 years of age.


RESULTS
Fifty six babies were mechanically ventilated after 27 postnatal days but for less than 50 days; 48 (86%) survived to 3 years. Twenty six (54%) of the survivors had normal neurodevelopment at 3 years and seven (15%) had only mild disability. Twenty eight babies were ventilated after 49 postnatal days; 14 survived to 3 years. Five of these survivors were neurodevelopmentally normal at 3 years and two had mild disability.


CONCLUSIONS
Survival decreases with more prolonged ventilation. When antenatal steroids and postnatal surfactant are used, there appears to be improved survival and neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm babies who require prolonged ventilation.
Gaillard
E A
EA
Liverpool Women's Hospital, Liverpool L8 7SS, UK.
Cooke
R W
RW
Shaw
N J
NJ
D002658:Developmental Disabilities / Q000517:prevention & control*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D011295:Prenatal Care / Q000379:methods*; D011379:Prognosis; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013501:Surface-Active Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013997:Time Factors
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D013501:Surface-Active Agents