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Response categorization and outcomes in extremely premature infants born at 22–26 weeks gestation that received inhaled nitric oxide for hypoxic respiratory failure

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the outcomes of extremely premature infants who received inhaled nitric oxide(iNO) for hypoxic respiratory failure(HRF).

Study design

Retrospective analysis of 107 infants born 22–26 weeks gestation who received iNO for HRF at a single institution. Infants were categorized as positive, negative, or no responders based on change in FiO2 or OI. Underlying physiology was determined using Echocardiography/Radiography/Biochemistry.

Results

63% of infants had a positive response; they received iNO earlier and were more likely to have acute pulmonary hypertension(PH). Positive response correlated with decreased incidence of death or grade 3 BPD at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, as compared to a negative response.

Conclusions

Extremely premature infants have a positive response rate to iNO comparable to term infants when used for PH in the transitional period. Infants with a negative response to iNO had worse outcomes, necessitating the determination of the underlying physiology of HRF prior to iNO initiation.

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Fig. 1: Description of the population.
Fig. 2: Proportion of neonates who were classified as positive responders, non-responders, and negative responders by gestational age in the first 96 of life.

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Data availability

Requests to view the included data can be made to the corresponding author.

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Authors

Contributions

TJB designed the study, acquired data, drafted the initial manuscript, revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript. JMD acquired data, revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript. JMK acquired data, revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript. DRR acquired data, revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript. PMJ contributed to the design of the study, acquired data, revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript. REG conceptualized and designed the study, analyzed and interpreted data, revised the manuscript, and approved the final version of the manuscript. All authors agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Regan E. Giesinger.

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Boly, T.J., Dagle, J.M., Klein, J.M. et al. Response categorization and outcomes in extremely premature infants born at 22–26 weeks gestation that received inhaled nitric oxide for hypoxic respiratory failure. J Perinatol 43, 324–331 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-022-01582-4

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