title: Static respiratory compliance in the newborn. II: Its potential for improving the selection of infants for early surfactant treatment.
abstract: Static respiratory system compliance (Crs) and lecithin/sphingomyelin (L/S) ratios in tracheal aspirates were estimated in two independent groups of mechanically ventilated infants. Crs was measured rapidly at the cotside using a passive expiratory flow technique and L/S ratios were estimated in the laboratory by high performance liquid chromatography. In the reference group of 22 infants, Crs < 1.8 ml/cm H2O/m predicted surfactant deficiency with a positive predictive value of 100% and a negative predictive value of 92%. In the validation group of 23 infants, Crs < 1.8 ml/cm H2O/m predicted surfactant deficiency with a positive predictive value of 94% and a negative predictive value of 83%. Measurement of static Crs is a rapid, non-invasive technique which may usefully supplement current methods of selecting infants at high risk of respiratory distress syndrome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Child Health, University of Dundee, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School.
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Wilkie
authors.forename: M H
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Bryan
authors.forename: W O
authors.initials: WO
authors.lastname: Tarnow-Mordi
mesh_terms: D001724:Birth Weight / Q000502:physiology; D001827:Body Height / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000502:physiology*; D008170:Lung Compliance / Q000502:physiology*; D010713:Phosphatidylcholines / Q000032:analysis; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants / Q000172:deficiency / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012127:Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013109:Sphingomyelins / Q000032:analysis; D014132:Trachea / Q000737:chemistry
chemical_list: D010713:Phosphatidylcholines; D011663:Pulmonary Surfactants; D013109:Sphingomyelins