Azithromycin for Preventing Lung Disease in Premature Infants
Author Information
Author(s): Ballard Hubert O, Anstead Michael I, Shook Lori A
Primary Institution: University of Kentucky
Hypothesis
Prophylaxis with azithromycin is both safe and effective at reducing the incidence and severity of BPD in the extremely preterm infant.
Conclusion
Azithromycin prophylaxis may reduce post-natal steroid use and duration of mechanical ventilation in extremely low birth weight infants.
Supporting Evidence
- Post-natal steroid use was significantly less in the treatment group compared to the placebo group.
- Duration of mechanical ventilation was significantly less in treatment survivors.
- The incidence of BPD was lower in the azithromycin group, although not statistically significant.
Takeaway
This study looked at whether giving a medicine called azithromycin to very tiny babies could help their lungs grow better and make them need less other medicine. It seems to help them need less of another medicine called steroids.
Methodology
The study was double-blinded, randomized, and placebo-controlled, involving infants ≤ 1000 g birth weight admitted to a NICU.
Potential Biases
Potential concerns include late onset infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Limitations
The study had an inadequate sample size to make definitive conclusions about the incidence of BPD.
Participant Demographics
Infants were extremely low birth weight (≤ 1000 grams), with a mean gestational age of approximately 25.5 weeks.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website