Neonatal pulmonary manifestations due to prolonged amniotic leak

Neonatal pulmonary manifestations of prolonged (2-8 weeks) amniotic fluid leak (PAL) were evaluated in 22 neonates. The severity of respiratory insufficiency was evaluated by a profile scoring system based on arterial blood gases, ventilatory support, and evidence of "fetal compression". The spectrum included acute respiratory failure with pulmonary hypoplasia (3), pulmonary hemorrhage (2), severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (3), subacute lung disease (5), and transient respiratory disease (2). Seven neonates were completely asymptomatic. Clinical manifestations were correlated to age of onset and duration of PAL. The onset of PAL in the asymptomatic babies had occurred after 32 weeks gestation (mean +/- SEM, 33.5 +/- 1.1 wk; duration was 4.4 +/- 1.1 wk). In symptomatic neonates the onset of PAL was 24.0 +/- 1.0 weeks; duration being 6.0 +/- 0.6 weeks. When PAL occurred before 22 weeks and the duration of leak was longer than 6 weeks, the pulmonary profile score was less than 3 and associated with severe respiratory sequelae. These manifestations culminated in neonatal demise despite aggressive conventional ventilatory techniques. Onset of PAL between 23 and 28 weeks gestation and continuing longer than 8 weeks also was associated with a similar outcome. Duration of PAL between 2 and 7 weeks in this group was associated with less severe pulmonary manifestations and higher scores. Pulmonary morbidity was significantly correlated to the initial profile score (P less than .05) and was influenced by the prenatal reduction in thoracic volume.