Bronchopulmonary dysplasia and carbon dioxide retention

Abstract

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to determine the pre‐discharge carbon dioxide (CO2) levels of preterm neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) requiring ongoing nasal cannulae oxygen therapy and who were ready for discharge home.MethodsWe studied a retrospective cohort of infants born <30 weeks gestational age (GA) at ≥36 weeks corrected GA who had established BPD requiring ongoing nasal cannulae oxygen therapy and were ready for discharge home. Neonates were born and admitted between May 2014 and December 2018. Demographic data at the time of birth and at the time of the last blood gas sampled were collected.ResultsOne hundred five neonates had median GA of 26.1 weeks and birth weight of 775 g. Median (IQR) CO2 level was 54 (49–58) mmHg. Ninety‐nine (94%) neonates had CO2 levels exceeding the normal range and 91 (87%) neonates had a CO2 between 45 and 65 mmHg.ConclusionNinety‐four per cent of neonates <30 weeks GA at ≥36 weeks corrected GA requiring ongoing nasal cannulae oxygen therapy for established BPD, who were ready for discharge home, have CO2 levels outside of normocapnia (35–45 mmHg), with 87% having CO2 levels between 45 and 65 mmHg.