Reintubation and risk of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants after surfactant replacement therapy

Abstract

Background: In preterm infants at risk for RDS, reintubation following surfactant replacement therapy and successful extubation may be associated with poor clinical outcomes. Methods: Initial extubation, reintubation, mortality, and major morbidity rates associated with prematurity from two surfactant trials utilizing lucinactant, colfosceril palmitate, beractant, and poractant alfa were compared for reintubated infants versus infants who were not reintubated, and among treatment groups. Results: Initial extubation rates were similar among surfactant treatments in both trials (80-84%; p = ns). Reintubated infants had significantly higher mortality rates versus infants who were successfully extubated and never reintubated (18% vs. 0.5% respectively; OR 42 [CI 15.1-114]). Reintubated infants also had higher rates of BPD (OR 8.2; CI 5.8-11.5), air leak (3.0; 2.1-4.5), sepsis (3.6; 2.6-4.9), NEC (2.6; 1.8-3.7), IVH (3.3; 2.4-4.5), and PVL (1.8; 1.1-2.8). Reintubation rates were lower (p <