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"Benign" extra-axial fluid in survivors of neonatal intensive care

Scott A Lorch1, Jo Ann D'Agostino, Robert Zimmerman

  • 1Center for Outcomes Research, Department of Neonatology, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 3535 Market Street, Suite 1029, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. lorch@e-mail.chop.edu

Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine
|February 6, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Infants from neonatal intensive care with benign extra-axial fluid (BEAF) show increased risks for developmental delay and cerebral palsy. This condition is linked to prematurity complications like bronchopulmonary dysplasia and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal neurology
  • Pediatric neurodevelopment
  • Intensive care outcomes

Background:

  • Benign extra-axial fluid (BEAF) is a condition observed in some infants following neonatal intensive care.
  • Macrocephaly and extra-axial fluid are potential indicators of underlying neurological issues in neonates.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of benign extra-axial fluid (BEAF) in neonatal intensive care graduates.
  • To identify risk factors and the natural history of BEAF in this population.
  • To assess the association between BEAF and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care neonatal follow-up clinic.
  • Seventy-seven infants with head circumference above the 95th percentile were included.
  • Outcomes included bronchopulmonary dysplasia, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation use, and development at 18-24 months.

Main Results:

  • 34% of infants had BEAF, 10% had hydrocephalus, and 56% were controls.
  • BEAF was associated with higher rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (Risk Ratio 6.1).
  • Infants with BEAF had increased risks for cerebral palsy (Risk Ratio 9.9) and developmental delay.

Conclusions:

  • Benign extra-axial fluid in macrocephalic neonatal intensive care survivors is linked to adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes.
  • BEAF is associated with an elevated risk of cerebral palsy and developmental delay compared to controls.
  • Early identification and monitoring of BEAF are crucial for managing neurodevelopmental risks in high-risk infants.
Abstract

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