Comparison of different rates of artificial ventilation in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome.
The effectiveness of three different ventilator rates of artificial ventilation (30, 60 and 120/min) was studied in 32 preterm infants, all of whom were suffering from the Respiratory Distress Syndrome (16 were paralysed). Ventilator pressures, I:E ratio and MAP were kept constant at each rate. Increase in rate from 30 to 60 and to 120/min was well tolerated and not associated with episodes of hypotension. The only significant improvement in oxygenation was amongst the non-paralysed infants and at a rate of 120/min (p less than 0.01) this was associated with synchronous respiration. Two different ventilators were used in the study and a significant change in PaCO2 (reduction) occurred only in non-paralysed infants ventilated at a rate of 120/min by Sechrist ventilators (p less than 0.05). This difference may be a direct reflection of differences in ventilator performance at fast rates.
Greenough
A
A
Department of Child Health, King's College Hospital, London, United Kingdom.
Pool
J
J
Greenall
F
F
Morley
C
C
Gamsu
H
H
D000403:Airway Resistance; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007235:Infant, Premature, Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D010313:Partial Pressure; D010366:Peak Expiratory Flow Rate; D012119:Respiration; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000009:adverse effects; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*