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Diuretics for very low birth weight infants in the first 28 days: a survey of the US neonatologists

Journal of Perinatology volume 31, pages 677–681 (2011)Cite this article

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Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this study was to describe factors influencing diuretic use by neonatologists caring for very low birth weight neonates.

Study Design:

We surveyed 400 US neonatologists. Respondents made therapeutic decisions in clinical scenarios involving very low birth weight infants at 7, 14 and 28 days of age.

Result:

Response rate was 39%. Diuretic therapy was chosen in 31% of scenario decisions, with pro re nata dosing selected early and regular dosing more common at later ages. Diuretic use was strongly associated with method of respiratory support, and was chosen less often by those also choosing fluid restriction and those concerned about patent ductus arteriosus risk. After adjusting for these factors, excessive weight gain, expected improvement in work of breathing and expected decrease in ventilator days were also associated with diuretic use.

Conclusion:

The extent of and expectations for diuretic therapy by neonatologists caring for very low birth weight neonates may exceed evidence for efficacy.

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Acknowledgements

We wish to acknowledge Alan Spitzer for logistical support, Anna Hagadorn and Jennifer Trzaski for manuscript review and Gina Kline for assistance with data management.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Neonatology, Connecticut Children's Medical Center, Hartford, CT, USA

    J I Hagadorn, M R Sanders & V C Herson

  2. Department of Pediatrics, University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA

    J I Hagadorn, M R Sanders, C Staves & V C Herson

  3. Division of Neonatology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA

    C Staves

  4. Division of Pediatric Pulmonology, Department of Pediatrics, Hasbro Children's Hospital, Providence, RI, USA

    K Daigle

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  1. J I Hagadorn
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  2. M R Sanders
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to J I Hagadorn.

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Competing interests

Dr Staves is employed by the Pediatrix Medical Group. All other authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Hagadorn, J., Sanders, M., Staves, C. et al. Diuretics for very low birth weight infants in the first 28 days: a survey of the US neonatologists. J Perinatol 31, 677–681 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.11

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