Table IV.

Neonatal outcomes according to the presence or absence of AF ‘sludge’ in asymptomatic patients at risk for spontaneous preterm delivery

Outcome variables	No ‘sludge’ (n=215)	‘sludge’ present (n=66)	p
Admission to NICU	17.3 (37/214)	31.8 (21/66)	0.01
Sepsis or suspected sepsis	5.8 (12/206)	27.1 (13/48)	<0.001
Mechanical ventilation	13.6 (28/206)	39.6 (19/48)	<0.001
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia	1.9 (4/215)	12.1 (8/66)	0.001
Necrotizing enterocolitis	0 (0/206)	8.9 (4/45)	0.001
Intraventricular hemorrhage	3.9 (8/206)	19.1 (9/47)	0.001
Composite severe neonatal morbidity	17 (35/206)	47.9 (23/48)	<0.001
Neonatal death	0.5 (1/206)	12.2 (6/49)	<0.001

Values are expressed as percentage (number).

NICU: neonatal intensive care unit.

Composite severe neonatal morbidity was defined as one or more of the following neonatal complications: sepsis or suspected sepsis, use of assisted ventilation due to respiratory distress syndrome, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, intraventricular hemorrhage, or necrotizing enterocolitis.