Aim: Pulmonary hemorrhage is an important reason for mortality in premature infants. In this study we aimed to evaluate the frequency of pulmonary hemorrhage and associated risk factors in very low birth weight premature infants. Materials and Method: Premature infants with birth weight ≤1500 g and gestational age ≤32 weeks admitted to Sanliurfa Training and Research Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit between September 2017 and February 2019 were included retrospectively in the study. The characteristics and risk factors of infants with pulmonary hemorrhage were compared with the control group. Results: Two hundred and ninety eight infants were included in the study. Pulmonary hemorrhage developed in 20.8% of patients. Mean gestational age (26.5 ± 1.9) and birth weight (892 ± 269) were significantly lower in pulmonary hemorrhage group (p<0.001). Birth weight (OR = 0.99 [%95 CI = 0.99-0.99]; p = 0.037), lack of antenatal steroid therapy (OR = 3.26 [%95 CI = 1.246-8.54]; p = 0.016) and intubation in delivery room (OR = 5.32 [%95 CI = 1.694-16.72]; p = 0.004) were significant risk factors for development of pulmonary hemorrhage.
Conclusion:Lower birth weight, lack of antenatal steroid therapy and intubation in delivery room increase the risk of pulmonary hemorrhage. Improving antenatal care may reduce pulmonary hemorrhage.