Adverse neurodevelopmental outcome after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation among neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Abstract Objective: The relationship between bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and neurodevelopmental outcome after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has not been extensively reported. We compared the outcomes in a large series of infants with and without BPD after ECMO. Study design: Hospital charts and follow-up records of 145 infants treated with ECMO (1985 through 1990) were reviewed. Complete long-term respiratory and follow-up outcome data were available in 64 infants. BPD occurred in 17 survivors; the remaining 47 did not have BPD. Results: Babies with BPD were more likely to have had respiratory distress syndrome. Mean (± SD) age at ECMO initiation was later for the BPD group (127 ± 66 vs 53 ± 39 hours, p p p p p = NS) 16 (34%) patients without BPD had mild disabilities, whereas 2 (4%) had severe disabilities ( p Conclusions: The occurrence of BPD after ECMO is associated with adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Patients with BPD after ECMO merit close long-term follow-up. (J Pediatr 1998;132:307-11)