Objective: To discover a predictor, that could be used at least 3 to 4 weeks' before discharge, to identify infants who would need home oxygen therapy. We hypothesized that infants requiring a high level of respiratory support at 34 weeks' postmenstrual age (PMA) would require home oxygen.
Study design: Single center retrospective study of 143 infants less than 28 weeks' gestation. We determined when infants weaned from each level of respiratory support (mechanical ventilation, nasal continuous airway pressure [nCPAP] or biphasic positive pressure, nasal cannula flow ≥ 2 L/min, nasal cannula flow < 2 L/min or no respiratory support). Our primary outcome was need for home oxygen.
Result: Infants who required nCPAP at 34 weeks' PMA had a 100% positive predictive value for home oxygen therapy.
Conclusion: Higher levels of respiratory support at 34 weeks' PMA can predict the need for home oxygen and is useful in preparing patients and families for discharge.
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