Pulmonary affectation in premature newborns: breathing support, perinatal characteristics and comorbidity

Abstract

Introduction. Respiratory diseases are important in preterm infants, being sometimes aggravated by mechanical ventilation. Respiratory morbidity persists at school age, and even in adulthood. The aim of our study was to study the lung pathology in newborn infants of gestational age less than or equal to 32 weeks and provided ventilation.

Methods. Retrospective descriptive study of preterm infants (? 32 weeks) admitted to Complejo Asistencial Universitario de León between 2005 and 2010. We collected data on the pathology and respiratory care, morbidity and other treatments.

Results: We included 64 neonates, 25 males and 39 females with a mean birth weight of 1,240 grams (range 578- 2,660 grams) and a mean gestational age of 29.11 weeks (range 23-32 weeks). Prenatal lung maturation was performed in 44. 33 were treated with surfactant. 56 needed oxygen, 18 non invasive ventilation (CPAP) and 34 conventional mechanical ventilation, witch was longer and greater in the group of infants with gestational age less than 30 weeks. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia was diagnosed in 15 patients. Sepsis during admission was diagnosed in 34 and patent ductus arteriosus in 12. The average time of hospitalization was 50.07 days and at discharge 8 patients needed oxygen at home. Two infants died during their admission.

Conclusions. The lower gestational age infants had a higher morbidity and required more respiratory assistance and therapy, although such assistance was always performed so as to minimize the possible iatrogenic.