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Pulmonary function testing prior to extubation in infants with respiratory distress syndrome
Author(s) -
VenessMeehan Kathleen A.,
Richter Susan,
Davis Jonathan M.
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
pediatric pulmonology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.866
H-Index - 106
eISSN - 1099-0496
pISSN - 8755-6863
DOI - 10.1002/ppul.1950090103
Subject(s) - medicine , respiratory distress , pulmonary function testing , respiratory system , intensive care medicine , respiratory disease , lung function , acute respiratory distress , pediatrics , anesthesia , lung
Pulmonary function testing was performed just prior to extubation on 50 infants mechanically ventilated for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome. All infants were ready for extubation as defined by clinical criteria. Pulmonary mechanics and energetics were measured by a computerized technique that consists of a pneumotachometer to measure flow rates and an esophageal balloon and differential transducer to estimate transpulmonary pressure. Tidal volume, minute ventilation, dynamic lung compliance, pulmonary resistance, and resistive work of breathing were then calculated by high speed microcomputer processing. Successful extubation was defined as > 72 hours without respiratory decompensation requiring reinstitution of ventilatory support. Thirty‐six (72%) infants were successfully extubated and 14 (28%) infants failed extubation. Infants in the success and failure groups were matched for birth weight, gestational age, age at study, weight at study, weight at study relative to birth weight, use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), and methylxanthines. No statistically significant differences in pulmonary mechanics were seen between the two groups. Data suggests that successful withdrawal of mechanical ventilation may be related to multiple factors such as central inspiratory drive, diaphragmatic endurance, and chest wall stability, in addition to improved lung mechanics. Pulmonary function testing criteria alone may not be useful in determining optimal timing of extubation in premature infants. Pediatr Pulmonol 1990 ; 9:2–6.