Respiratory morbidity and therapy in very preterm infants – a population-based study from 2009-2018

Abstract

<p>Introduction: The association between respiratory support and lung disease is known. This study analysed the duration of different respiratory managements for preterm infants born before week 28 and between week 28-31 and preterm infants with BPD. Regional differences were also evaluated. <p>Materials and methods: a nationwide population-based registry study, and the data is gathered from Norwegian Neonatal Network. The data obtains all live-born premature infants born between gestation age 22-31 in the given period. A total of 5296 premature infants were included. <p>Results: A total of 1397 (85%) preterm infants born before week 28 received MV and 949 (26%) of those born between week 28-31. Among infants diagnosed with BPD 654 (92%) born before week 28 received MV and 246 (64%) born week 28-31. Infants born before 28 weeks and with BPD2 had the longest median duration on non-invasive respiratory support (p<0.001). For all other ventilation support managements, the infants with BPD3 born before 28 weeks had the longest median duration (MV p<0.001, conventional ventilation p=0.122, HFV p=0,089). West region had the shortest median duration on MV for infants born before week 28 (p<0.001) and the lowest number of infants with BPD2/3. <p>Conclusion: This study provides evidence that non-invasive respiratory support is the most used ventilation management for all preterm infants. There were notable trends for reduced duration of MV with decreasing severity of BPD. There are a few differences between the health regions.