Chronic Lung Disease Infants Research Articles

Cost-effectiveness of anti-viral treatment for infants with RSV disease in the United Kingdom.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common cause of hospitalisation in infants worldwide, causing significant morbidity and mortality. Recently, the antiviral treatment, Ziresovir, has shown promising results in a Phase III trial conducted on infants hospitalised with RSV. Based on these topline results, this study aims to investigate the cost-effectiveness of Ziresovir in the United Kingdom (UK). The cost-effective analysis (CEA) uses a proportional outcomes model using data from topline reports by the AIRFLO trial and published data to explore the effect of Ziresovir administration on hospitalised infants aged <24months at admission. We estimated the reduction in ICU bed days and deaths and the maximum cost-effective price (MCEP) per treated individual, assuming a threshold of £20,000 per Quality-adjusted Life Year (QALY) gained. Administering Ziresovir to all hospitalised infants averts four deaths (range: 2.8-4.5), 216 ICU admissions (range:160-260) and 3169 ICU bed-days (range: 2348-3804) per annum, the MCEP for Ziresovir per hospitalised infant is £429.65 (95% CrI: £236-£771). If preterm infants are targeted, then the MCEP increases to £2108.38 (95% Crl: £870-£3540). The MCEP for exclusively treating Infants with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) and Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is £6557.24 (95% Crl: £1250 - £14,920) and £9459.44 (95% Crl £3350-£20,300) respectively. The model is highly sensitive to changes in the efficacy of Ziresovir and the risk of ICU admission and mortality. Ziresovir is a cost-effective intervention for all infants hospitalised with RSV if priced below £430 per dose and strategies that exclusively treat high-risk- with CLD and CHD infants justify a higher price of £6558 and £9460 respectively. The outcomes are highly sensitive to the efficacy of Ziresovir and can be improved when the full results of the AIRFLO trial are available.

Infants with neonatal Chronic Lung Disease are associated with delayed auditory conduction in the rostral brainstem after term

AimsVery Low Birthweight (VLBW) infants with neonatal Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) have been found to have functional impairment of the brainstem auditory pathway at term. This study investigated the functional status of the brainstem auditory pathway in VLBW infants with CLD after term for any abnormality. MethodsFifty-two VLBW infants were recruited at 50 weeks of Postconceptional Age: 25 with neonatal CLD and 27 without CLD. None had any other major complications to minimize confounding effects. Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses were studied at 21‒91/s click rates. ResultsCompared with those without CLD, VLBW infants with CLD had relatively shorter latencies of BAER waves I and III, associated with a slightly lower BAER threshold. Wave V latency and I‒V interpeak interval did not differ significantly between the two groups of infants. The I‒III interval in infants with CLD was shorter than in those without CLD at 91/s clicks. However, the III‒V interval was significantly longer than in those without CLD at all click rates (all p < 0.05). There were no significant differences in the amplitudes of BAER wave components between the two groups of infants. ConclusionsThe main BAER abnormality in VLBW infants with CLD was a prolonged III‒V interval. Auditory conduction is delayed or impaired at more central regions of the brainstem in CLD infants. After term central auditory function is adversely affected by neonatal CLD. Monitoring post-term change is required to provide valuable information for post-term care of CLD infants.

Short and long-term outcomes of chronic pulmonary hypertension in preterm infants managed using a standardized algorithm.

There is limited data on management strategies for chronic pulmonary hypertension (cPH) in chronic lung disease (CLD) of prematurity. Our objective was to evaluate clinical outcomes following a standardized policy, wherein only cPH with right-ventricular (RV) dilatation was treated and diuretics were employed as first-line therapy; cPH without RV-dilatation was managed expectantly. In this retrospective cohort study, all infants with CLD were categorized as "CLD-only" or "CLD-cPH," using echocardiography at ≥36 weeks postmenstrual age. Intergroup comparison was performed. Regression analysis examined the association between cPH and primary outcome of death or disability at 18-24 months. Of 128 CLD infants, 48 (38%) had cPH, of which 29 (60%) received diuretics. Symptomatic improvement within 1-week was recorded in 90%. Although CLD-cPH had worse in-hospital respiratory course than CLD-only, all post-discharge respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes were similar. cPH was not associated with death or disability (adjusted odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval, 0.32-3.27). Disease progression treated with sildenafil occurred in 2 (4%) cases. There was no death from respiratory or RV failure. Primary treatment of CLD-cPH with diuretics using RV-dilatation as therapeutic threshold, may result in symptomatic improvement, disease stabilization and post-discharge outcomes comparable to infants without cPH.

Calibration of Chronic Lung Disease Severity as a Risk Factor for Respiratory Syncytial Virus Hospitalization

Guidelines assume children with chronic lung disease (CLD) who require medical support within 6 months before the second respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) season remains at high risk of severe RSV disease. We determined the number of days since the last treatment (DSL) when the risk of RSV hospitalization among children with CLD becomes equivalent to the risk for those not qualified for immunoprophylaxis. The study cohort was assembled using Medicaid billing records from 1999 to 2010 linked to Florida and Texas birth certificate records. We developed DSL-trend discrete time logistic regression models within a survival analysis framework, adjusting for use of immunoprophylaxis, to compare the hospitalization risk of CLD infants at 4 age points to that of term infants at 1 month of age with siblings. The study cohort included 858 830 healthy term and 5562 preterm infants with CLD. Among 1-month-old term infants, the RSV hospitalization risk averaged across all covariate strata was 14.8 (95% confidence interval [CI], 13.5-16.1) per 1000 patient season-months. Risk for preterm CLD children reached the threshold derived from term infants when DSL was 76 (95% CI, 22-198.5), 52 (95% CI, 6.5-123), 35 (95% CI, 0-93.5), and 12 (95% CI, 0-61.5) at the respective ages of 12, 15, 17.2, and 21 months. The 180-day threshold used to define CLD severity at season start can be shortened to 120 days, 90 days, and 60 days for children with CLD at age 15, 17.2, and 21 months, respectively.

737. The Prevalence of Diagnosed Chronic Lung Disease in US Infants by Gestational Age: Implications for RSV Policy

BackgroundPerinatal chronic lung disease (CLD), previously referred to as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), is associated with preterm birth and occurs rarely among term infants. Children with CLD are at elevated risk for severe RSV disease in the first 2 years of life. Definitions of CLD/BPD identify infants who require supplemental oxygen at 28 days of life or 36 weeks postmenstrual age, with no restriction by gestational age (GA) at birth. However, the AAP Committee on Infectious Disease guidance does not recommend RSV immunoprophylaxis for infants with CLD born at ≥32 weeks gestational age (wGA), even though infants with CLD/BPD up to 41 wGA were included in pivotal efficacy studies. This study determined the prevalence of diagnosed CLD in US infants as a function of wGA at birth and the number of infants with CLD born at ≥32 wGA.MethodsThe Kids’ Inpatient Database (KID) is a nationally representative survey conducted every 3 years in the United States. Birth hospitalization data from KID were utilized to estimate the prevalence of CLD (ICD-9 = 770.7) among US infants in 2003–2012 overall and as a function of coincident codes for GA (ICD-9 = 765.21–765.29, reported in 2-week intervals). The prevalence of CLD among 32 wGA infants was imputed based on the distribution of CLD cases as a function of wGA. KID data from 2015 were not available due to the transition to ICD-10 coding.ResultsA total of 31,984 infants had a CLD diagnosis across the 4 years, representing 0.2% of US births. The prevalence of CLD declined from 20.8 to 19.5 per 10,000 between 2003 and 2012. Of those, 25,554 infants with CLD (80%) had GA coded in the database. The percentage of CLD infants born at <27 wGA increased from 44% in 2003 to 52% in 2012, whereas the percentage at ≥29 wGA decreased from 27% to 21% (figure). Overall, the percentages born at 31–32, 33–34, and >34 wGA were 5.7%, 2.2%, and 1.2%, respectively. An estimated 5.7% of infants with CLD were born at ≥32 wGA, representing 0.9 of every 10,000 US births or ~350 infants annually.ConclusionFewer than 400 infants are born at ≥32 wGA and diagnosed with CLD annually in the United States. The rationale for excluding this small but high-risk group of infants from the population recommended for RSV immunoprophylaxis is not clear.Funded by AstraZeneca :Disclosures. C. S. Ambrose, AstraZeneca: Employee, Salary and Stocks. X. Jiang, EpiStat Institute: Employee, Consulting fee and Salary. AstraZeneca: Consultant, Consulting fee. K. Mavunda, AstraZeneca: Speaker’s Bureau, Speaker honorarium.

Auditory impairment in infants with neonatal chronic lung disease is alleviated after term

Very premature infants with neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) have been reported to have major auditory impairment at term, and we examined the outcomes in 30 infants after term age. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) was recorded at a postconceptional age of 46-61weeks in 13 CLD cases and 14 controls from China and 17 CLD cases and 22 controls from the UK. The BAER threshold in the CLD infants was slightly higher. Clicks at the normal hearing level (60 dB) showed no significant differences between the cases and controls in the latencies of BAER waves I, III and V and the I-V interval. However, the CLD infants demonstrated marginal shortening in the I-III interval and a marginal increase in the III-V interval. The amplitudes of BAER waves in the CLD infants were all slightly smaller than the controls. At 70 and 40 dB normal hearing level, the BAER findings were similar to those obtained at 60 dB normal hearing level, with only small variations. There were minor BAER abnormalities in the CLD infants, suggesting minor auditory impairment. The auditory impairment previously detected at the term date was later alleviated.

Abnormal findings in brainstem auditory evoked response at 36–37 weeks of postconceptional age in babies with neonatal chronic lung disease

AimTo examine brainstem auditory function at 36–37weeks of postconceptional age in preterm infants who are diagnosed to have neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD). Study designPreterm infants, born at 31 and less weeks of gestation, were studied at 36–37weeks of postconceptional age when they were diagnosed to have neonatal CLD. Brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) was recorded and analyzed at different click rates. ResultsCompared with healthy controls at the same postconceptional age, the CLD infants showed a slightly increase in BAER wave V latency. However, the I-V, and III–V interpeak intervals in the CLD infants were significantly increased. The III–V/I–III interval ratio was also significantly increased. The amplitudes of BAER waves III and V in the CLD infants tended to be reduced. These BAER findings were similar at all 21, 51 and 91/s clicks, although the abnormalities tended to be more significant at higher than at low click rates. ConclusionAt 36–37weeks of postconceptional age, BAER was abnormal in preterm infants who were diagnosed to have neonatal CLD. This suggests that at time when the diagnosis of CLD is made there is functional impairment, reflecting poor myelination, in the brainstem auditory pathway in preterm infants with neonatal CLD.

Comparison of First- and Second-Season Palivizumab Prophylaxis in Patients with Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) in the ‘Caress’ Database (2005-2014)

Abstract BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) related hospitaliza-tion (RSVH) rates are 10-fold higher in infants with CLD compared with healthy term infants until 24 months of age. Current pediatric advisory guidelines recommend RSV prophylaxis for CLD infants &amp;lt; 2 years of age based on oxygen requirement for at least 28 days after birth during the first RSV season and those who continue to require chronic medical therapy for the management of CLD during the second season. OBJECTIVES: This study compared RSVH rates in CLD infants who received palivizumab during the first RSV season (FS) versus the second season (SS) in the Canadian Registry of Palivizumab (CARESS) database. DESIGN/METHODS: CARESS is a prospective registry of infants who received palivizumab at one of 32 sites across Canada during the 2005-2014 RSV seasons. Demographic data were collected at enrollment and respiratory-illness related hospitalization events were recorded monthly. Infants aged &amp;lt; 24 months with CLD were enrolled. RESULTS: 797 (55%) and 647 (45%) of 1444 CLD infants were prophy-laxed during FS and SS respectively (average age: 6.9 [FS] versus 13.6 [SS] months). SS infants had a lower gestational age [29.7 versus 31.3 weeks, F(1, 1440) = 29.9, p=&amp;lt;0.0005] and birth weight [1447 versus 1762 grams, F(1, 1436) = 29.3, p=&amp;lt;0.0005]. Infants prophylaxed in the SS also experienced more complicated neonatal courses with: prolonged respiratory support [63.4 versus 50.0 days, F(1, 1089) = 16.9, p=&amp;lt;0.0005], oxygen therapy [135.7 versus 74.8 days, F(1, 1155) = 97.4, p=&amp;lt;0.0005], and longer hospital stays [102.0 versus 72.0 days, F(1, 1369) = 62.1, p=&amp;lt;0.0005]. RSVH rates were 2.23% (FS) and 2.66% (SS). Cox regression adjusted for daycare attendance, multiple births, gestational age, birth weight and neonatal complications found no significant differences in the time to first RSVH between FS and SS infants (Hazard ratio: 0.96, 95% CI 0.37–2.52, p=0.94). CONCLUSION: SS infants who received RSV prophylaxis for CLD had a similar hazard of RSVH to those who only received palivizumab in the first year of life. The findings imply that FS and SS infants are correctly selected for RSV prophylaxis based on the stipulated criteria and their severity of illness and that SS infants are equally at risk for RSVH compared to FS infants.

Assessment of myocardial function in preterm infants with chronic lung disease using tissue Doppler imaging

ObjectivesTo assess myocardial function and presence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) using both tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) and conventional echocardiography in preterm infants of <32 weeks gestation with chronic lung disease...

Respiratory outcomes study (RESPOS) for preterm infants at primary school age

Objective: Pulmonary function abnormalities and hospital re-admissions in survivors of neonatal lung disease remain highly prevalent. The respiratory outcomes study (RESPOS) aimed to investigate the respiratory and associated atopy outcomes in preterm infants <30 weeks gestational age (GA) and/or birth-weight (BWt) <1000 g at primary school age, and to compare these outcomes between infants with and without chronic lung disease (CLD). Methods: In the RESPOS 92 parents of preterm infants admitted to the Neonatal unit in Canberra Hospital between 1/1/2001 and 31/12/2003 were sent a questionnaire regarding their respiratory, atopy management and follow-up. Results: Fifty-three parents responded, including 28 preterm infants who had CLD and 25 who had no CLD. The gestational age was significantly lower in the CLD group compared to the non-CLD group [26.9 (26.3–27.5) CLD and 28.6 (28.3–29.0) non-CLD] [weeks [95% confidence interval (CI)]], as was the birth weight [973 (877.4–1068.8) CLD versus 1221 (1135.0–1307.0) non-CLD] [g (CI)]. CLD infants compared to non-CLD infants were significantly more likely to have been: given surfactant, ventilated and on oxygen at 28 days and 36 weeks. These neonates were also more likely to have: been discharged from the neonatal unit on oxygen, exhibit a history of PDA or sepsis and to have a current paediatrician. However, despite these differences, there was no significant difference in the proportion of asthma or atopic disease between the two groups. Conclusions: The RESPOS could not demonstrate respiratory and/or atopy differences between the CLD and the non-CLD groups at primary school age.

Frequency-modulated orocutaneous stimulation promotes non-nutritive suck development in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome or chronic lung disease.

BackgroundFor the premature infant, extrauterine life is a pathological condition which greatly amplifies the challenges to the brain in establishing functional oromotor behaviors. The extent to which suck can be entrained using a synthetically patterned orocutaneous input to promote its development in preterm infants who manifest chronic lung disease is unknown.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of a frequency-modulated orocutaneous pulse train delivered through a pneumatically-charged pacifier capable of enhancing non-nutritive suck (NNS) activity in tube-fed premature infants.MethodsA randomized trial to evaluate the efficacy of pneumatic orocutaneous stimulation 3x/day on NNS development and length of stay (LOS) in the NICU among 160 newborn infants distributed among 3 subpopulations, including healthy preterm infants (HI), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), and chronic lung disease (CLD). Study infants received a regimen of orocutaneous pulse trains through a PULSED pressurized silicone pacifier or a SHAM control (blind pacifier) during gavage feeds for up to 10 days.ResultsMixed modeling, adjusted for the infant’s gender, gestational age, postmenstrual age, and birth weight, was used to handle interdependency among repeated measures within subjects. A significant main effect for stimulation mode (SHAM pacifier vs PULSED orosensory) was found among preterm infants for NNS Bursts/minute (p=.003), NNS events/minute (p=.033), and for Total Oral Compressions/minute [NNS+nonNNS] (p=.016). Pairwise comparison of adjusted means using Bonferroni adjustment indicated RDS and CLD infants showed the most significant gains on these NNS performance indices. CLD infants in the treatment group showed significantly shorter LOS by an average of 2.5 days.ConclusionFrequency-modulated PULSED orocutaneous pulse train stimuli delivered through a silicone pacifier are effective in facilitating NNS burst development in tube-fed RDS and CLD preterm infants, with an added benefit of reduced LOS for CLD infants.

Effects of oral stimulus frequency spectra on the development of non-nutritive suck in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome or chronic lung disease, and preterm infants of diabetic mothers

The precocial nature of orofacial sensorimotor control underscores the biological importance of establishing or orythmic activity in human infants. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of comparable doses of three forms of orosensory experience, including a low-velocity spectrally reduced orocutaneous stimulus (NT1), a high-velocity broad spectrum orocutaneous stimulus (NT2), and a SHAM stimulus consisting of a blind pacifier. Each orosensory experience condition was paired with gavage feedings 3×/day for 10 days in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Four groups of preterm infants (N = 214), including those with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), chronic lung disease (CLD), infants of diabetic mothers (IDM), and healthy controls (HI) were randomized to the type of orosensory condition. Mixed modeling, adjusted for gender, gestational age, post-menstrual age, and birth weight, demonstrated the most significant gains in non-nutritive suck (NNS) development among CLD infants who were treated with the NT2 stimulus, with smaller gains realized among RDS and IDM infants. The broader spectrum of the NT2 stimulus maps closely to known response properties of mechanoreceptors in lip, tongue, and oral mucosa and is more effective in promoting NNS development among preterm infants with impaired oromotor function compared to the low-velocity, spectrally reduced NT1 orosensory stimulus.

Preterm infants with chronic lung disease: Are protein and energy intakes after discharge sufficient for optimal growth?

To document post-discharge feeding practices of preterm infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) and determine if sufficient protein and energy is consumed for optimal growth. Protein and energy intakes of preterm infants with CLD were quantified through detailed analysis of measured food and fluid intakes at four corrected age (CA) assessments, post-discharge. Most of the infants were in hospital for the term assessment. Milk intake from breastfeeding was determined by test weighing. Protein and energy intakes were compared with the Australian and New Zealand Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) for healthy term-born infants, and CA z-scores for weight, length and head circumference were calculated using Australian national gestational growth data and Centre for Disease Control 2000 growth data. Ten of the 28 CLD infants who were exclusively receiving expressed breast milk in hospital were transitioned to infant formula within 1 month of discharge. Complementary foods were introduced at a median CA of 3.6 months. Protein intakes almost always exceeded the NRV for healthy term-born infants, and at each assessment, at least 63% of infants met the energy NRV. Longitudinal growth data are available for 20 infants, four of whom had been small for gestational age. At the 12-month assessment, 10 of these infants weighed less than the 10th percentile. Preterm infants who develop CLD do not always achieve reference growth in their first year following discharge, despite protein and energy intakes being mostly comparable to those recommended for healthy term-born infants.

Respiratory Muscle Activity Related to Flow and Lung Volume in Preterm Infants Compared With Term Infants

Infants with chronic lung disease (CLD) have a capacity to maintain functional lung volume despite alterations to their lung mechanics. We hypothesize that they achieve this by altering breathing patterns and dynamic elevation of lung volume, leading to differences in the relationship between respiratory muscle activity, flow and lung volume. Lung function and transcutaneous electromyography of the respiratory muscles (rEMG) were measured in 20 infants with CLD and in 39 healthy age-matched controls during quiet sleep. We compared coefficient of variations (CVs) of rEMG and the temporal relationship of rEMG variables, to flow and lung volume [functional residual capacity (FRC)] between these groups. The time between the start of inspiratory muscle activity and the resulting flow (tria)--in relation to respiratory cycle time--was significantly longer in infants with CLD. Although FRC had similar associations with tria and postinspiratory activity (corrected for respiratory cycle time), the CV of the diaphragmatic rEMG was lower in CLD infants (22.6 versus 31.0%, p = 0.030). The temporal relationship of rEMG to flow and FRC and the loss of adaptive variability provide additional information on coping mechanisms in infants with CLD. This technique could be used for noninvasive bedside monitoring of CLD.

Differences in impaired brainstem conduction between neonatal chronic lung disease and perinatal asphyxia

To explore any differences in impaired brainstem function between preterm infants with neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) and term infants after perinatal asphyxia. Brainstem auditory evoked responses (BAERs) collected using maximum length sequence (MLS) technique were compared at term equivalent age between 43 CLD infants and 117 asphyxiated infants. In both CLD and asphyxiated infants there was a significant increase in wave V latency and I-V interval in MLS BAER. CLD infants showed a significant increased III-V interval but a normal I-III interval at all click rates. However, asphyxiated infants showed a significant increase in both III-V and I-III intervals. I-III interval was shorter and III-V/I-III interval ratio was greater in CLD infants than in asphyxiated infants. The slope of I-III interval-rate function was steeper in asphyxiated infants than in CLD infants, while the slope of III-V/I-III interval ratio-rate function was the other way around. CLD infants had a major increase in more central components of MLS BAER, without appreciable abnormality in more peripheral components. However, asphyxiated infants had a significant increase in both central and peripheral components. Neonatal CLD affects more central regions of the brainstem, whereas perinatal asphyxia affects both peripheral and central regions. This difference, which is likely related to the different nature of hypoxia in CLD and asphyxia, may have some significance for neuroprotective interventions for the two problems.

Brainstem response amplitudes in neonatal chronic lung disease and differences from perinatal asphyxia

To examine neuronal function of the auditory brainstem in neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD) and detect any differences from perinatal asphyxia. Infants with CLD and infants after perinatal asphyxia were studied at term (37-42 weeks postconceptional age). Wave amplitudes of maximum length sequence brainstem auditory evoked response (MLS BAER) were recorded and compared between CLD and asphyxia. The amplitudes of waves I, III and V, and V/I and V/III amplitude ratios in CLD infants did not differ from those in normal term controls at all click rates 21-910/s. The slopes of amplitude-rate functions were all similar to those in the controls. In infants after asphyxia, however, wave III and V amplitudes were smaller than those in both the controls and CLD infants, particularly at high-rate stimulation. The intercepts of amplitude-rate functions for waves III and V were smaller than in both the controls and CLD infants, although there were no significant differences in the slopes of these functions. No abnormalities in MLS BAER amplitudes were found in CLD infants but the amplitudes were significantly reduced in asphyxiated infants, resulting in major differences between CLD and perinatal asphyxia. There is no major neuronal impairment in the auditory brainstem in CLD but there is in perinatal asphyxia. This difference may be, at least partly, related to the difference in the nature of hypoxia associated with the two problems; the hypoxia is chronic and sublethal in CLD, but is often acute, lethal and associated with ischaemia in perinatal asphyxia.

Brainstem auditory evoked responses in very low birthweight infants with chronic lung disease

Very low birthweight (VLBW) infants who had prolonged oxygen dependence due to chronic respiratory problems, typically neonatal chronic lung disease (CLD), are at high risk of neurodevelopmental impairment. To assess the effect of CLD on neonatal auditory function we studied brainstem auditory evoked response (BAER) in VLBW infants who suffered CLD but no other major perinatal complications or problems. At 37–42 week postconceptional age, the latencies of waves I, III and V in CLD infants were all significantly longer than in normal term infants (all p < 0.001 ). The differences between CLD infants and the term controls were greater for the later waves than for the earlier waves. Abnormally prolonged wave latency (>2.5 SD of the mean measurement) was seen in 7 (21.2%) CLD infants for wave I, suggesting peripheral auditory impairment, 8 (24.2%) for wave III and 14 (42.4%) for wave V. I–V interval in CLD infants was significantly longer than in the term controls ( p < 0.001 ) . Seven (21.2%) infants had abnormally prolonged I–V interval, suggesting brainstem or central auditory impairment. Of these infants, 2 had both prolonged wave latencies and prolonged I–V interval, suggesting both peripheral and central auditory impairment. Similar abnormalities were found in CLD infants when compared with the BAER in birthweight- and age-matched healthy VLBW infants without CLD. Conclusion Neonatal auditory function is impaired, both peripherally and centrally, at term age in VLBW infants who suffer neonatal CLD.

Electrical Potential Difference Across the Nasal Epithelium Is Reduced in Premature Infants With Chronic Lung Disease but Is Not Associated With Lower Airway Inflammation

Airway liquid content and insufficient absorptive airway ion transport at birth are potentially important factors in the development and severity of neonatal respiratory disease. The role of deficient absorptive airway ion transport in the development of chronic lung disease of prematurity is unknown. Additionally, lung inflammatory mediators modulate airway ion transport. Their effect on preterm lung ion transport and absorptive capacity is not established. We performed serial nasal potential difference studies and broncho-alveolar lavage in preterm infants born less than 30 wk postmenstrual age over the first four postnatal weeks. Our study aims were to: 1) compare nasal potential difference between preterm infants developing chronic lung disease and babies of similar gestation who do not; and 2) examine for an association between airway inflammation and ion transport parameters. We found that potential difference across the nasal epithelium increased with gestation, remained low and unchanged in infants developing chronic lung disease over the first four postnatal weeks, was significantly lower at four weeks in chronic lung disease infants, and was not associated with lower airway inflammation at any time point. We conclude that infants with chronic lung disease postnatally have a persistently reduced absorptive airway ion transport capacity.

Brain-stem auditory function in very preterm infants with chronic lung disease: Delayed neural conduction

ObjectiveTo examine brain-stem auditory function at term in very preterm infants who suffered chronic lung disease (CLD). MethodsBrain-stem auditory evoked response (BAER) was recorded at term with clicks in 25 very preterm infants with CLD and no concomitant other major perinatal problems. ResultsCompared to those in normal term controls, BAER wave V latency and I–V and III–V interpeak intervals in the CLD infants increased significantly (ANOVA P<0.01–0.001). III–V/I–III interval ratio also increased significantly (P<0.01). The latencies of waves I and III did not differ significantly from the controls. However, no abnormalities were found in BAER wave amplitudes. These BAER findings, obtained at 21/s clicks, were also seen at the rates 51 and 91/s, although the increase in III–V interval tended to be more significant. Click rate-dependent changes in BAER variables in the CLD infants were generally similar to the controls, with slight differences. ConclusionsBAER components, mainly reflecting central auditory function, increased significantly. The increase in wave V latency and I–V interval is due to the increase in III–V interval. SignificanceNeural conduction in the more central portion of the brain-stem auditory pathway is delayed and thus brain-stem auditory function is impaired in CLD infants.

Motor Development of Very Low Birthweight Infants with Chronic Lung Disease – A Comparative Study

Introduction: To determine whether chronic lung disease (CLD) influences specific aspects of motor development in infancy. Materials and Methods: Twenty-nine very low birthweight infants with CLD at 36 weeks’ post-conceptional age and 31 infants without CLD were evaluated at 8 months’ and 24 months’ corrected age using the Neurosensory Motor Development Assessment. Perinatal and neonatal characteristics of the infants with CLD and control infants were compared using the chi-square test for categorical variables and Student’s t-test for continuous variables. The relationship between CLD and adverse outcome was measured by the odds ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The overall developmental scores of the CLD infants were significantly different compared with control infants at 8 months. By 2 years of age, both groups of infants showed marked improvement in motor performance. However, differences persisted in the area of postural balance and sensory motor skills. Taking periventricular haemorrhage and periventricular leukomalacia into consideration, CLD contributed significantly to the occurrence of motor dysfunction at 8 months of age [odds ratio (OR), 7.4; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1 to 26.5]. The impact of CLD on motor development remained substantial, though not statistically significant (OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 0.4 to 37.9) at 2 years of age. Conclusion: CLD has a definite effect on motor development. The pathologic influence of CLD on motor development remains speculative but results of this study emphasise the need for careful neurodevelopmental follow-up of infants with CLD, whether or not these infants suffer intraventricular haemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia.