Our aim was to identify factors predictive of death in preterm infants in whom inhaled nitric oxide was administered in response to poor oxygenation (oxygenation index > or =15). Of the 23 (median gestational age 28 weeks, range 24-36) infants consecutively so treated, 15 died. Non-survival was commoner in infants with air leaks (12 of 12, P < 0.002) and/or a change in their oxygenation index of less than 30% in response to inhaled nitric oxide administration (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: In preterm infants given inhaled nitric oxide because of poor oxygenation, a diagnosis of airleak and a lack of initial response are predictive of death.