Objective: To evaluate whether treated hypotension in the first 24 postnatal hours is associated with hearing loss in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
Study design: In a cohort of 735 ELBW infants, we identified 25 with sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) at 12-24 months adjusted age. For each case, we selected three controls with normal hearing. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounding variables.
Results: Sixty percent of cases and 25% of controls were treated for hypotension. After adjusting for confounding variables (gestational age, antenatal glucocorticoids, 5 min Apgar < 6, insertion of an umbilical catheter, treatment with high frequency ventilation, and major cranial ultrasound abnormality), treated hypotension was associated with an increased risk of SNHL (adjusted odds ratio: 3.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.3-9.7).
Conclusions: Treated hypotension in ELBW infants in the first 24 h of life is associated with an increased risk of SNHL.