Fluid management during the first postnatal day in very low birth weight neonates and rates of patent ductus arteriosus requiring treatment

Abstract

Purpose: Previous studies have suggested an association between high maintenance fluid volumes during the first several postnatal days and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) requiring treatment in very low birth weight (VLBW) neonates. However, no studies have specifically examined fluid administration during the first postnatal day with regard to PDA-related outcomes. We seek to determine whether additional intravenous fluid administration beyond prescribed goals during the first postnatal day is associated with PDA requiring treatment.Materials and methods: Retrospective data were collected from neonates with birth weight <1250 g. Infants receiving fluids beyond initially documented goals, stratified by relative degree of additional fluids, were compared to those receiving no additional intravenous fluids for the primary outcome of PDA requiring treatment and secondarily for other neonatal morbidities.Results: Two hundred VLBW neonates were included. Controlling for birth weight and gestational age, fluid administration beyond prescribed goals during the first postnatal day was not associated with increased PDA requiring treatment. Additionally, no statistically significant associations between additional fluids and secondary outcomes were observed.Conclusions: No significant relationship between fluid volumes during the first postnatal day and PDA requiring treatment were observed. Further prospective analysis of early fluid management in VLBW neonates is warranted.