End-tidal CO2 as a function of tidal volume in mechanically ventilated infants.
OBJECTIVE
To test the hypothesis that end-tidal CO(2) (PETCO(2)) varies with tidal volume (Vt) in preterm infants.


METHODS
Intervention study, nonrandomized trial.


METHODS
Neonatal ICU, regional referral center.


METHODS
29 preterm infants 790 to 2135 g in weight requiring mechanical ventilation studied on 73 occasions.


METHODS
Measurement of PETCO(2) during variations of Vt.


METHODS
Statistical correlation of PETCO(2) to Vt.


RESULTS
PETCO(2) is minimal when Vt is either too low or too high.


CONCLUSIONS
Vt, through its effect on dead space/Vt (Vd/Vt) ratios and arterial-alveolar CO(2) differences, has a significant effect on PETCO(2). Observation of PETCO(2) across a range of Vt can be used to select an appropriate Vt for preterm infants requiring mechanical ventilation.
Greer
Karen J
KJ
Perinatology Center, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Bowen
Winslade A
WA
Krauss
Alfred N
AN
D001724:Birth Weight; D002245:Carbon Dioxide / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005865:Gestational Age; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn / Q000502:physiology*; D015931:Intensive Care, Neonatal / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011659:Pulmonary Gas Exchange / Q000502:physiology*; D012121:Respiration, Artificial; D013990:Tidal Volume / Q000502:physiology*
D002245:Carbon Dioxide