Treatment for hypotension in the first 24 postnatal hours and the risk of hearing loss among extremely low birth weight infants

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether treated hypotension in the first 24 postnatal hours is associated with hearing loss in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort of 735 ELBW infants, we identified 25 with sensorineural hearing loss at 12–24 months adjusted age. For each case we selected 3 controls with normal hearing. Logistic regression models were used to adjust for confounding variables. RESULTS: 60% of cases and 25% of controls were treated for hypotension. After adjusting for confounding variables (gestational age, antenatal glucocorticoids, 5 minute Apgar < 6, insertion of an umbilical catheter, treatment with high frequency ventilation, and major cranial ultrasound abnormality), treated hypotension was associated with an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss (adjusted odds ratio: 3.6; 95% confidence interval: 1.3–9.7). CONCLUSIONS: Treated hypotension in ELBW infants in the first 24 hours of life is associated with an increased risk of sensorineural hearing loss.