Observational Study on Chloride Levels and Their Impact on Lung Disease and Survival in Premature Infants Born Before 32 Weeks or Weighing Under 1500 Grams

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating the relationship between blood chloride levels and the risk of death or long-term lung problems in premature infants. This observational study focuses on infants born before 32 weeks of pregnancy or weighing less than 1500 grams. The study aims to understand how low or high chloride levels during the first 4-6 weeks of life may affect outcomes such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia BPD, mortality, and other complications related to prematurity. The study involves reviewing medical records of infants who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units within the first 24 hours of life over the past five years. Participants are grouped based on whether their serum chloride levels are within the normal range or show abnormalities dyschloremia before 36 weeks postmenstrual age. Researchers will analyze the occurrence of outcomes like BPD, mortality, and other prematurity-related conditions such as patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, and intraventricular hemorrhage. Participants health data will be examined from enrollment until 36 weeks postmenstrual age, including laboratory tests and clinical reports. The main outcome measured is the development of BPD, with mortality as a secondary outcome. This research also aims to identify risk factors and conditions associated with chloride imbalances. The study duration spans from birth to 36 weeks postmenstrual age, with no active interventions, focusing on observational data collection and analysis.

Chloride Imbalance in Preterm Infants