G130(P) What is the efficacy of nitric oxide in neonates with preterm prolonged rupture of membranes?

Abstract

Background Preterm prolonged rupture of membranes continues to be associated with significant morbidity and mortality, predominantly as a result of respiratory failure due to pulmonary hypoplasia and/or pulmonary hypertension. Although iNO is not routinely indicated for treatment of respiratory failure in the preterm infant successful treatment with inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) has been reported in small studies. Methods Retrospective review of neonates with PPROM of latency 14 days or more at gestation less than 34 weeks at birth from June 2008–July 2014. Infants with respiratory failure who were treated with nitric oxide were compared to those who had not received iNO, and timing of treatment was correlated with outcome. Results 41 patients with PPROM (range 23 +2 –33 +5 days) were included, of whom 61% (25/41) had respiratory failure with oxygenation index >20 (OI 53.5 (IQR 38–87). Respiratory failure was associated with ultrasound confirmed oligohydramnios (p = 0.01) and male gender (p = 0.03). 64% (16/25) of infants with respiratory failure were started on iNO. Within the iNO group all patients demonstrated significant reduction in OI following iNO; 81% responding within 1 h. The median OI prior to iNO 59 (IQR 47–88) vs after iNO administration 7.3 (IQR 4.7–10.8) (p Conclusion PPROM is associated with significant mortality (22%) and morbidity with 92% BPD and 29% IVH grade 3 or above. These babies show significant respiratory failure with median OI of x in the first day of life. iNO improved OI in all cases, although there was no significant effect on BPD, IVH or mortality. Our data supports the findings of earlier studies that iNO can improve respiratory function in PPHN associated with PPROM. Further prospective trials are needed to assess long term outcomes in this subsection of babies with severe respiratory failure following preterm delivery.