The prognosis of refractory hypotension and severe intraventricular hemorrhage in very low birth weight infants

Background: The increased survival rate among very low birth weight infants has resulted in a higher risk for developing neuro-complications such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL), and adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. Purpose: We examined refractory hypotension experienced within a week of life in association with severe IVH (grades 3-4) among very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs). Method: Between Jan 2014 and Dec 2017, the clinical data of 191 VLBWIs were retrospectively chart reviewed. Of a total of 191 VLBWIs, 71.2% (136/191) had IVH, and 28.7% (55/191) had severe IVH. Results: The VLBWI with severe IVH group (grade 3-4) presented with a significantly lower gestational age along with higher use of postnatal hydrocortisone for refractory hypotension within a week of life. Resuscitation at delivery, pulmonary hemorrhage, neonatal seizure, and PVL were significantly more frequent in the severe IVH group (P < .05). Higher mortality occurred in the VLBWI with severe IVH group (P < .001). The multivariable logistic regression analysis consistently showed that refractory hypotension within a week of life and neonatal seizures were significantly associated with severe IVH. Those in the severe IVH and refractory hypotension groups had significantly lower composite cognitive, language, motor scores in Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III scores at corrected 18-24 months. Conclusion: Refractory hypotension within a week of life and seizures were consistently associated with severe IVH and developmental delay at corrected 18-24 months. VLBWI who experienced refractory hypotension within a week of life may indicate a more vulnerable clinical setting with a higher risk for developmental delay.