Abstract
Because the time constant of the respiratory system (Trs) is very short (<0.15s) in infants with hyaline membrane disease (HMD), severe obstruction due to airway secretions is almost undetectable. We made serial measurements of single-breath lung mechanics (Thomson et al, Crit Care Med 1985;13:4-8) in intubated newborns during mechanical ventilation. On the first day of life (before airways secretions developed) the mean total respiratory resistance (Rrs) for all ventilated infants was 213 cmH2O.1−1.sec. Serial measurements were made subsequently, before and after tracheal suction or bronchial lavage.
secretions were obtained. Trs was also shortened. In many cases there had been no change in clinical state to suggest the degree of airways obstruction which was found. Clinical care as well as clinical research could be improved by monitoring respiratory resistance by this technique, during mechanical ventilation.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Prendiville, A., Thomson, A. & Silverman, M. SINGLE-BREATH LUNG MECHANICS DURING NEONATAL MECHANICAL VENTILATION: CLINICAL VALUE OF RESPIRATORY RESISTANCE. Pediatr Res 19, 1094 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00149
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00149