Risk factor analysis of pneumothorax associated with persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn in Thai neonates

Abstract

Objective: To determine the risk factors and outcomes of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)-associated pneumothorax (PTX).Study design: The medical records of infants diagnosed with PPHN with or without PTX from January 2012 to July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed.Results: Of the 102 included PPHN infants, PTX was found in 32 (31.4%) infants with 43.8% (14/32) mortality. PTX was significantly associated with increased mortality with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.27 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.96–14.17). Unilateral PTX was more common than bilateral PTX (53.1 versus 46.9%, respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a 1-minute Apgar score of ≤7 was associated with an increased risk for PTX (adjusted OR = 2.67 [95% CI 1.14–6.25]). In subgroup analysis, each increase of maximum peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) of 1 cmH2O significantly increased the odds of PTX by 1.46 (95% CI 1.02–2.07), while each 1 mmHg increase in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) decreased the odds of PTX (adjusted OR = by 0.98 [95% CI 0.97–0.99]).Conclusions: PTX was significantly associated with higher mortality in PPHN infants. Lower Apgar score and increasing PIP in conventional mechanical ventilation were risk factors for PTX. Higher PaO2 was associated with a decreased rate of PTX.