Science and Research

Neurodevelopmental outcomes of extremely low birthweight infants randomised to different PCO2 targets: the PHELBI follow-up study

BACKGROUND: Tolerating higher partial pressures of carbon dioxide (PCO2) in mechanically ventilated extremely low birthweight infants to reduce ventilator-induced lung injury may have long-term neurodevelopmental side effects. This study analyses the results of neurodevelopmental follow-up of infants enrolled in a randomised multicentre trial. METHODS: Infants (n=359) between 400 and 1000 g birth weight and 23 0/7-28 6/7 weeks gestational age who required endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation within 24 hours of birth were randomly assigned to high PCO2 or to a control group with mildly elevated PCO2 targets. Neurodevelopmental follow-up examinations were available for 85% of enrolled infants using the Bayley Scales of Infant Development II, the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) and the Child Development Inventory (CDI). RESULTS: There were no differences in body weight, length and head circumference between the two PCO2 target groups. Median Mental Developmental Index (MDI) values were 82 (60-96, high target) and 84 (58-96, p=0.79). Psychomotor Developmental Index (PDI) values were 84 (57-100) and 84 (65-96, p=0.73), respectively. Moreover, there was no difference in the number of infants with MDI or PDI <70 or <85 and the number of infants with a combined outcome of death or MDI<70 and death or PDI<70. No differences were found between results for GMFCS and CDI. The risk factors for MDI<70 or PDI<70 were intracranial haemorrhage, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotising enterocolitis and hydrocortisone treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A higher PCO2 target did not influence neurodevelopmental outcomes in mechanically ventilated extremely preterm infants. Adjusting PCO2 targets to optimise short-term outcomes is a safe option. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN56143743.
  • Thome, U. H.; Genzel-Boroviczeny, O.; Bohnhorst, B.; Schmid, M.; Fuchs, H.; Rohde, O.; Avenarius, S.; Topf, H. G.; Zimmermann, A.; Faas, D.; Timme, K.; Kleinlein, B.; Buxmann, H.; Schenk, W.; Segerer, H.; Teig, N.; Blaser, A.; Hentschel, R.; Heckmann, M.; Schlosser, R.; Peters, J.; Rossi, R.; Rascher, W.; Bottger, R.; Seidenberg, J.; Hansen, G.; Zernickel, M.; Bode, H.; Dreyhaupt, J.; Muche, R.; Hummler, H. D.

Keywords

  • Bayley scales
  • bronchopulmonary dysplasia
  • intraventricular haemorrhage
  • neurodevelopmental outcome
  • permissive hypercapnia
Publication details
DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2016-311581
Journal: Archives of disease in childhood. Fetal and neonatal edition
Work Type: Original
Location: BREATH
Disease Area: General Lung and Other
Partner / Member: MHH
Access-Number: 28087725

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