Outcome of extremely preterm infants randomized at birth to different PaCO2 targets during the first seven days of life

Background: Ventilation with higher PaCO(2) goals may reduce lung injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The effect may be enhanced by using a higher PaCO(2) goal than in previous trials.

Objective: To determine the clinical benefits and safety of higher PaCO(2) goals for ventilated preterm infants.

Study design: Preterm infants with a gestational age between 23 and 28 completed weeks receiving mechanical ventilation within 6 h of birth were randomized to be managed with either a PaCO(2) target between 55 and 65 mm Hg (7.3- 8.7 kPa, minimal ventilation) or 35 and 45 mm Hg (4.7- 6.0 kPa, routine ventilation) for the first 7 days of life. The primary outcome measure was BPD, defined as need for mechanical ventilation or supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, or death. The neurodevelopmental status was assessed at 18-22 months corrected age.

Results: The trial was stopped early after enrolling 31% of the projected sample size. Enrolled infants had a median birth weight of 640 g. BPD or death occurred in 21/33 (64%) infants after minimal ventilation and 19/32 (59%) infants after routine ventilation. Minimal ventilation was associated with trends towards higher mortality and higher incidence of neurodevelopmental impairment, and a significantly increased combined outcome of mental impairment or death (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: Minimal ventilation as performed in this study did not improve clinical outcome, and may have been associated with a worse neurodevelopmental outcome.