Morbidity and survival in neonates ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome.

In a retrospective analysis the records of all (210) infants ventilated to treat the respiratory distress syndrome over three years were reviewed. A mortality of 19% was found. Intraventricular haemorrhage was associated than a significant increase in mortality in infants of less with 30 weeks' gestation (p less than 0.001) and was the commonest cause of death. Pneumothoraces developed in one third of babies regardless of gestational age but were significantly associated with an increase in mortality only in infants of 27-29 weeks' gestation. Patent ductus arteriosus was present in 31 infants and was commoner in babies of very low birth weight. The presence of a patent ductus arteriosus was not associated with decreased survival but was significantly related to an increased need for prolonged respiratory support (p less than 0.001). Thirty six infants developed chronic lung disease, three of whom died. Comparison with data from earlier studies indicated a steady improvement over the past decade in outcome for infants ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome.