Introduction: We have shown increased reactive airways disease(RAD) among ECMO survivors <4 yrs (Peditr Res 1995;37:253A). However, there are no data regarding pulmonary health at school age.
Methods: From Jan-Oct,1996, 34 ECMO survivors (5-10 yrs) were evaluated (history, physical exam, peak expiratory flow=PEF). Abnormal PEF is defined as 31SD below means for height and gender.
Results: All had no wheezing at follow-up exam (mean age 7.3±1.1 yrs). Nevertheless, 13/34 children (38%) had abnormal PEF of which only 2 were on bronchodilators, and 21/34 (62%) had normal PEF, one who was treated. ECMO diagnoses and courses, follow-up age, gender and passive smoking exposure were similar in both groups. In contrast, African-American race (normal PEF 1/21 or 5% v abnormal PEF 5/13 or 33%, P<.05), and allergic family history (normal 9/21 or 43% v 10/13 or 77%, P=.10) were more common in the abnomal PEF group. Although RAD frequency was greater in the abnormal PEF group (8/13 v 10/21 normal PEF) this was not significant.
Conclusions: The frequency of abnormal PEF is of concern in school age survivors of neonatal ECMO. Children with demographic risk factors(other than neonatal diagnosis and ECMO course) such as African-American race and allergic family history should be monitored into school age using PEF.
NIH Support: NS-27463, NS-21453
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Desai, S., Stanley, C., Adeniyi-Jones, S. et al. Increased Airways Resistance in School Age Children Following Neonatal ECMO. 1152. Pediatr Res 41 (Suppl 4), 194 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199704001-01171
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199704001-01171