title: End-tidal CO2 as a function of tidal volume in mechanically ventilated infants.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Perinatology Center, Department of Pediatrics, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York, New York 10021, USA.
authors.forename: Karen J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Greer
authors.forename: Winslade A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Bowen
authors.forename: Alfred N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Krauss
mesh_terms: 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*
chemical_list: D002245:Carbon Dioxide