Fluid regimens in the first week of life may increase risk of patent ductus arteriosus in extremely low birth weight infants.

BACKGROUND: High fluid volumes may increase neonatal morbidity. However, evidence supporting fluid restriction is inconclusive and restricting fluids may restrict caloric intake. OBJECTIVE: To determine if higher fluid intake was associated with increased risk of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 204 ELBW (170 ml kg(-1) day(-1)) in the first days of life is associated with increased risk of PDA.