Introduction: We have demonstrated that IV infusion epinephrine(IV EPI) is an effective inotrope in extremely low birthweight (ELBW) = 750g Birthweight. No data are available on the long term outcome of ELBW infants who received IV EPI. We questioned whether IV EPI use in ELBW infants was associated with an adverse neurodevelopmental outcome compared to ELBW infants who did not receive IV EPI.

Methods We carried out a retrospective chart review of ELBW infants admitted to our level 111 NICU between 1/1/1990and 31/12/1994. Demographic data, CRIB scores, and EPI use were recorded. On the basis of their most recent neurodevelopmental assessment infants were classified as having single, multiple or no disabilities.

Results Of 91 ELBW infants identified during the study period 35/91 (38.5%) survived to discharge, 10/47 (21.5%) infants who had received IV EPI and 25/44 (56.8%) who had not received IV EPI (NO EPI). Follow-up data were available for 33/35 survivors. Of these ELBW infants 12/33 (34.4%) were normal, 16/33 (48.4%) had multiple disabilities and 5/33(15%) had a single disability. There were no statistically significant differences between the demographic data, CRIB scores or IV EPI and NO IV EPI groups in the pattern of disabilities. (see table).

Table 1 No caption available.
Full size table

Conclusions: 1) ELBW Infants who survive to discharge from NICU have a high incidence of major disabilities whether or not they received IV EPI 2) The use of IV EPI as an inotrope in ELBW infants is not associated with an adverse neurodevelopmental outcome.