[Complications and survival rate in preterm infants and neonates treated with mechanical ventilation (author's transl)].

Between January 1972 and December 1976 201 preterm infants and neonates were treated with mechanical ventilation. These children were classified into 6 groups according to the indications for mechanical ventilation: P = respiratory failure caused by pulmonary disease; Z-P = respiratory failure caused by cerebral disturbance with simultaneous respiratory disease; Z = respiratory failure caused by cerebral disturbance; C = respiratory failure caused by cardiac disease; SCH = respiratory failure through shock; M = respiratory failure caused by mechanical disturbance; Bronchopulmonary complications developed in 70% of the survivors and in 60% of the fatalities. The most serious bronchopulmonary complications were infections which occured with similar frequency in all indication groups as late-onset complications, and air-leaks which occured as early complications. The latter complication was significantly higher (38%) in the first than in the other groups. The most serious extrapulmonary complications were seizures, intracerebral hemorrhages and septicemia. 71 of the 201 patients survived. There was a significant increase in the survival rate from 21.2% in 1972-1973 to 43% in 1974-1976. The survival rates differed significantly within the indication groups. The best result was found in the p-group followed by the Z-group. The highest mortality rate was found in the SCH and C-group.