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The Epidemiology of Respiratory Failure in Neonates Born at an Estimated Gestational Age of 34 Weeks or More

Journal of Perinatology volume 25, pages 251–257 (2005)Cite this article

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

To prospectively evaluate the primary causes for the use of mechanical ventilation in near-term neonates and to determine the rates of death, chronic lung disease, and neurological complications in these infants.

STUDY DESIGN:

We collected data on 1011 neonates who were ≥34 weeks' estimated gestational age; intubated within 72 hours of birth; and expected to require ventilation for more than 6 hours.

RESULTS:

The study population had a mean estimated gestational age of 37±2 weeks; had a mean birth weight of 2.9±0.6 kg; and were predominantly male (62%), white (69%), and delivered by cesarean section (55%). Respiratory distress syndrome (n=437) was the most common pulmonary illness. Chronic lung disease was diagnosed in 109 (11%); neurological complications were reported in 86 (9%); and 51 (5%) patients died.

CONCLUSIONS:

Neonates ≥34 weeks who require mechanical ventilation represent a high-risk population who have significant morbidity and mortality.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank the following persons for administrative support in running this clinical trial: C. Benson, E. Dodd, D. Handler, A. Kelleher, P. Thomas, and J. Whittaker.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc., Sunrise, FL, USA

    Reese H Clark MD

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  1. Reese H Clark MD
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The Near-Term Respiratory Failure Research Group

Additional information

Manuscript prepared by Reese H. Clark, MD for the principal investigators.

Disclosures: This work was supported by Pediatrix Medical Group, Inc. and an unrestricted grant from INO Therapeutics, Inc.

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Clark, R., The Near-Term Respiratory Failure Research Group. The Epidemiology of Respiratory Failure in Neonates Born at an Estimated Gestational Age of 34 Weeks or More. J Perinatol 25, 251–257 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211242

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