Abstract
Lung Compliance (CL ), Conductance (GL ), and Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) were determined serially in 37 preterm infants with CLD (X± SD;BW,1180±430g;GA,30.4±2.5 wks) at 1,6,12, 18,24 and 36 mos. of life. All received mechanical ventilation at birth, supplemental 02 for > 4 wks, and had persistent radiographic findings consistent with CLD. 27 normal infants, 1 to 4 years of age, were studied as controls. Tidal volume was measured by pneumotachography, esophageal pressure with a water filled feeding tube, and FRC by N2 washout. Because infants with CLD had a slower growth pattern, results could not be compared chronologically. FRC was therefore related to weight by linear regression analysis. This correlation was very good and nearly identical for both groups,(r=0.94 in CLD;0.98 in controls) suggesting normal growth of lung volume in CLD. FRC was therefore used as independent variable and CL and GL were related to FRC by linear regression analysis. CL was closely correlated to FRC in both groups,(r=0.93 in CLD;0.96 in controls) with an intercept that was nearly identical. The slopes however were different indicating a lower specific CL in CLD than in the controls (60 vs 75 ml/cmH2O/FRC). GL was also closely related to FRC (r=0.77 in CLD;0.91 in controls). The slopes were nearly identical, but the intercept in infants with CLD was only half of that in the normal controls. This indicates that infants with CLD have a reduced GL in the newborn period that gradually increases with growth and approaches normal values by age 3 years.
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Gerhardt, T., Bancalari, E., Hehre, D. et al. 1764 CHANGES IN PULMONARY MECHANICS WITH GROWTH IN INFANTS WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE (CLD). Pediatr Res 19, 404 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01782
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-01782