Perinatal variables and outcomes of preterm infants with low superior vena cava flow (< 41 ml/kg/min) detected in the first 24 hours after birth
| Normal flow (n = 84) | Low flow (n = 44) | p Value | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean (SD) gestation (weeks) | 27.4 (1.6) | 25.8 (1.8) | < 0.001 |
| Mean (SD) birth weight (g) | 1027 (276) | 916 (271) | 0.03 |
| ⩽ 10th percentile | 11 (13%) | 1 (2%) | 0.06 |
| Male | 36 (43%) | 23 (52%) | 0.3 |
| Antenatal steroids | |||
| Any | 81 (96%) | 37 (84%) | 0.03 |
| Complete | 60 (71%) | 21 (48%) | 0.008 |
| Antihypertensives | 21 (25%) | 2 (5%) | 0.004 |
| Labour | 56 (67%) | 34 (77%) | 0.2 |
| Caesarean | 50 (60%) | 23 (52%) | 0.4 |
| Ex utero | 6 (7%) | 8 (18%) | 0.08 |
| Apgar ⩽ 4 at 1 minute | 29 (35%) | 22 (50%) | 0.09 |
| Ventilated | 71 (85%) | 44 (100%) | 0.004 |
| Respiratory distress syndrome | 57 (68%) | 36 (82%) | 0.09 |
| Patent ductus arteriosus | 47 (56%) | 33 (75%) | 0.03 |
| Peri/intraventricular haemorrhage | |||
| Any grade | 17 (20%) | 21 (48%) | 0.001 |
| Grade 3–4 | 5 (6%) | 12 (27%) | 0.001 |
| Died | 11 (13%) | 25 (57%) | < 0.001 |