Predicting the Need for Prolonged Respiratory Support in Neonates Delivered in a Lower-Level NICU Setting

Predicting Respiratory Distress Syndrome in Neonates Delivered in a Lower-Level NICU Setting

The purpose of this study is to analyze the gastric fluid aspirated from the stomachs of neonates receiving routine post-delivery care to predict the need for prolonged respiratory support (>6 hours of life).

The source of the gastric aspirates will be the medical waste generated through the routine care of neonates whose deliveries are attended by the Mayo Clinic neonatal resuscitation team.

Inclusion Criteria:

Both of the following:

• Neonates born at 32 completed weeks gestational age or older whose deliveries are attended by the neonatal resuscitation team and for whom routine gastric suctioning is indicated
• Neonates whose parents actively accepted or did not actively decline the Minnesota Research Authorization.

Exclusion Criteria:

Any one of the following:

• Neonates with known or suspected congenital anomalies
• Neonates for whom only comfort measures are planned or possible at time of delivery
• Neonates whose parents actively declined the Minnesota Research Authorization.
• Neonates with other identifiable causes of respiratory distress including pneumothorax, meconium aspiration syndrome, or pneumonia.