ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of postnatal acidosis on the short-term clinical outcomes or neonatal mortality in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of 157 VLBW infants. The study population was divided into three categories: two acidosis groups and one control group, based on blood pH, base excess, and partial pressure of carbon dioxide. The primary outcome variables were massive pulmonary hemorrhage (MPH), apnea, and early death. The secondary outcomes were intraventricular hemorrhage (grade III-IV), necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy of prematurity, and death before 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. RESULTS: After adjustment for birth weight, gestational age and Apgar score, compared to the control group (n=97), MPH and early death were more common in acidosis 1 (n=21) and acidosis 2 (n=39) groups, respectively. There were no differences between the acidosis groups and the control group with respect to other important neonatal outcomes. CONCLUSION: Postnatal acidosis was related to an increased risk of MPH and early neonatal mortality in VLBW infants.