Gestational Age (GA), birthweight (BW), Intravenous antibiotics (IVABx),
total parental nutrition (TPN), Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), High
Frequency Oscillation ventilation (HFOV), Mean Airway Pressure (MAP),
inspired oxygen (FiO2), oxygen saturations
(SpO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide on blood gas
(pCO2), Haemoglobin (Hb), Pulmonary interstitial
emphysema (PIE), chest xray (CXR)
Table 2 shows the comparisons between the two groups; successfully
extubated (N=175) and not successfully extubated (N = 112)
within 14 days of commencing dexamethasone. Compared with those that
were not successfully extubated, those who were successfully extubated
were more mature at birth or had higher birthweights. They were also
heavier at the time of starting dexamethasone and more mature (corrected
GA), and older (postnatal age in days). Successfully extubated babies
were more likely off PN. These infants also had less severe BPD on their
chest x-rays.
Those not successfully extubated by 14 days after starting dexamethasone
were more likely to have had: a recent echocardiogram that showed a PDA,
higher MAPs and FiO2 requirements and ventilated using
HFOV at the time of starting dexamethasone.
Table 2. Univariate analysis between the two groups:successfully extubated within 14 days of commencing dexamethasone
and not successfully extubated .