Fluid restriction for treatment of preterm infants with chronic lung disease

Abstract

Fluid restriction is often recommended as part of the management of infants with early or established bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). To determine whether fluid restriction as part of the therapeutic intervention for early or established BPD improves clinical outcomes. We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2016, Issue 1) in the Cochrane Library (searched 16 February 2016), MEDLINE via PubMed (1966 to 16 February 2016), Embase (1980 to 16 February 2016), and CINAHL (1982 to 16 February 2016). We also searched clinical trials' databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials and quasi‐randomised trials. Prospective randomised clinical trials comparing two distinct fluid administration volumes in preterm infants with early or established BPD. We used the standard methods of Cochrane Neonatal. For the included trial, we extracted data and assessed the risk of bias, and used GRADE methods to assess the quality of the evidence. The outcomes considered in this review are effects on mortality or requirement for oxygen at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (primary outcome measure), the duration of supplemental oxygen therapy, proportion of infants discharged from hospital on oxygen, duration of assisted ventilation, duration of hospitalisation, weight gain, feeding tolerance, apnoea, necrotizing enterocolitis, renal dysfunction or nephrocalcinosis, lung mechanics, and use of diuretic therapy (secondary outcome measures). One trial was found, including 60 preterm infants at 28 days of age with persistent oxygen requirements. Infants were randomised to either 180 mL/kg/day of standard formula or 145 mL/kg/day of concentrated formula. This single study did not provide data regarding our primary outcome. No effects of the intervention were found on any of our secondary outcomes. The quality of the evidence from this study was graded low. There is no evidence to support the practice of fluid restriction in infants with early or established BPD. Fluid restriction as a treatment for preterm infants developing chronic lung disease Background 
 Babies born prematurely are at risk of developing a form of chronic lung disease which is defined as persistent need for oxygen once the child has reached a corrected gestational age of 36 weeks. As fluid accumulation in the lung is one of the processes involved in the early phases of lung disease in premature babies, low fluid intake might halt the progression of the insult and result in lower rates of chronic lung disease of prematurity. Study characteristics 
 Our search identified only one study comparing two volumes of fluid intake in preterm infants with early signs of chronic lung disease. Unfortunately, this study did not report progression to established chronic lung disease. Hence, no infant could be included in this analysis. Other outcomes, including days that the baby needed extra oxygen, proportion of infants discharged from hospital on oxygen, days of assisted ventilation, duration of hospital stay, weight gain and serious apnoeas were not affected by the volume of fluid received (from the evidence graded as low quality). The evidence is current to February 2016. Key results 
 There is no study comparing low to high fluid intake in a population of preterm babies with early signs of chronic respiratory disease to prevent progression to full blown chronic lung disease or death. Other outcomes were not improved by fluid restriction. Quality of evidence 
 Not applicable.