Morbidity and survival in neonates ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome

• Published in: British Medical Journal (Clinical research ed.) Vol. 290; no. 6468; pp. 597 - 600
• Main Authors: Greenough, A, Roberton, N R
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England British Medical Journal Publishing Group 23.02.1985; British Medical Association; BMJ Publishing Group LTD
• Subjects: Birth weight; Cerebral Hemorrhage - complications; Cerebral Ventricles; Ductus Arteriosus, Patent - complications; Gestational Age; Hemorrhage; Humans; Infant, Low Birth Weight; Infant, Newborn; Infants; Lung Diseases - complications; Mortality; Patent ductus arteriosus; Pneumothorax; Pneumothorax - complications; Pregnancy; Prognosis; Respiration, Artificial; Respiratory distress; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn - complications; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn - mortality; Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn - therapy; Retrospective Studies; Ventilation systems
• ISSN: 0267-0623; 1468-5833
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.290.6468.597

In a retrospective analysis the records of all (210) infants ventilated to treat the respiratory distress syndrome over three years were reviewed. A mortality of 19% was found. Intraventricular haemorrhage was associated than a significant increase in mortality in infants of less with 30 weeks' gestation (p less than 0.001) and was the commonest cause of death. Pneumothoraces developed in one third of babies regardless of gestational age but were significantly associated with an increase in mortality only in infants of 27-29 weeks' gestation. Patent ductus arteriosus was present in 31 infants and was commoner in babies of very low birth weight. The presence of a patent ductus arteriosus was not associated with decreased survival but was significantly related to an increased need for prolonged respiratory support (p less than 0.001). Thirty six infants developed chronic lung disease, three of whom died. Comparison with data from earlier studies indicated a steady improvement over the past decade in outcome for infants ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome.