B Küçükali, C Armağan, F Erdoğan, N Duman, H Özkan

Abstract

Introduction: Conflicting results have been reported regarding the impact of prolonged preterm premature rupture of membranes (P-PPROM) on morbidity and mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. Data on the difference in the respiratory support requirements of these newborns compared to other VLBW newborns are very insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate how the presence of P-PPROM alters the need for postnatal respiratory support in VLBW infants. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, VLBW infants, followed up until discharge (or mortality) at the Dokuz Eylül University Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the 5-year period between 2014 and 2019 were evaluated. Infants with and without P-PPROM were compared in terms of the characteristics of respiratory support applied in the first postnatal hours and the first 10 days. Results: P-PPROM was identified in 32 (22%) of 145 VLBW infants. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of maternal and gestational characteristics except for antenatal steroids. Apgar scores were lower in the group without P-PPROM, the need for invasive ventilation was higher during the follow-up period, and a higher percentage of fractionated oxygen and end-expiratory positive pressure were used in non-invasive ventilation. There was no difference between the two groups in terms of morbidities and mortality, except for air leak syndromes. Conclusion: Infants with P-PPROM exhibited a lesser need for respiratory support after birth, but the impact on significant morbidities could not be clearly determined due to both limited number of cases and differences in antenatal steroid treatment rates between the groups.