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Am J Perinatol 2023; 40(05): 513-518
DOI: 10.1055/s-0041-1729558
Original Article

Use of Vasopressors in Extremely Preterm Infants in First Week of Life

Parul G. Zaveri 
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
2   Division of Neonatology, Regional One Health, Memphis, Tennessee
,
Amanda M. Walker
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
,
Kirtikumar Upadhyay
3   Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, Washington
,
Ajay J. Talati
1   Department of Pediatrics, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee
2   Division of Neonatology, Regional One Health, Memphis, Tennessee
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Abstract

Objective A significant variability exists for diagnosis and treatment of hypotension in extremely preterm infants. Benefits of the use of vasopressors remain unclear. We wanted to identify the risk factors associated with use of vasopressors in the first week of life and their impact on outcomes of extremely preterm infants.

Study Design Retrospective review of all newborns ≤28 weeks of gestational age (GA) admitted in neonatal intensive care unit from October 1, 2012, to October 31, 2015, done. Data regarding antenatal and neonatal characteristics and outcomes were recorded. Study infants were divided into two cohorts and compared based on vasopressor use. Chi-square, t-test, and multiple logistic regression were performed as appropriate and significance set at p <0.05.

Results Of 213 extremely preterm infants, 90 (42.3%) received vasopressors in first week of life. The mean arterial pressure (MAP) at admission in these infants was significantly lower than that of infants who did not require vasopressors (27 ± 8 vs. 30 ± 6 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Vasopressors were initiated within 24 hours in 91% of babies. After controlling for other variables, use of vasopressors was significantly higher in infants with lower birth weight (odds ratio [OR]: 3.2, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–8.3), 5-minute Apgar's score ≤5 (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2–3.12), and admission hypothermia (OR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.3–4.9). The use of vasopressors was significantly associated with severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), even after controlling for other significant variables (OR: 5.9, 95% CI: 1.6–9.3).

Conclusion Lower birth weight, low 5-minute Apgar's score, and admission hypothermia are characteristics associated with early use of vasopressors in extremely preterm infants. Infants treated with vasopressors are at a higher risk of developing severe IVH.

Key Points

  • Low systemic blood pressure is a very common problem in the extremely preterm population.

  • In clinical practice, mean arterial blood pressure (BP) less than the infants GA in week is typically considered to be “low BP.”

  • About 50% of infants born at <29 weeks of GA received very preterm in the first week of life.

  • Use of vasopressors is associated with a higher incidence of intraventricular hemorrhage in extremely preterm population.

Keywords

extremely preterm infants - hypotension - vasopressors - dopamine


Publication History

Received: 08 September 2020

Accepted: 15 March 2021

Article published online:
14 May 2021

© 2021. Thieme. All rights reserved.

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