Increase of caffeine and decrease of corticosteroids for extremely low-birthweight infants with respiratory failure from 1997 to 2011

AimTo compare treatment strategies for respiratory failure in extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants in Germany in 1997 to Germany, Austria and Switzerland in 2011. MethodsA detailed questionnaire about treatment strategies for ELBW infants was sent to all German centres treating ELBW infants in 1997. A follow-up survey was conducted in 2011 in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. ResultsIn 1997 and 2011, 63.6% and 66.2% of the hospitals responded. In 2011, the response rate was higher in Switzerland than in Germany, and in university hospitals versus nonuniversity hospitals. Treatment strategies did not differ between university and nonuniversity hospitals as well as NICUs of different sizes in 2011. Differences between Germany, Austria and Switzerland were minimal. Administration of caffeine increased significantly, whereas theophylline and doxapram declined (all p<0.001). While the use of dexamethasone decreased and the use of hydrocortisone increased, the overall use of corticosteroids declined (all p<0.001). Between 1997 and 2011, therapy with inhalations and mucolytics decreased (both p<0.001), whereas the use application of diuretics did not change significantly. In mechanically ventilated infants, the application of muscle relaxants and sedation declined significantly (p=0.009 and p<0.001), whereas analgesia use did not change. ConclusionTreatment strategies for respiratory failure in ELBW infants have changed significantly between 1997 and 2011.