Abstract
Lung function was determined serially in 37 preterm infants with CLD (BW 1180±430g, GA 30.4±2.5 wks) during the first 24 mo. of life. All infants were mechanically ventilated after birth because of HMD, asphyxia, or pneumonia. CLD was diagnosed when the need for supplemental 02 and haziness with prominent interstitial markings on the chest radiograph persisted for >4 weeks. Tidal volume was measured by pneumotachography, esophageal pressure through a water filled feeding tube, and FRC by N2 washout.
At 1 mo. of age FRC and lung compliance (CL) were lower than normal and pulmonary resistance (RL) was increased. During the following 23 months, FRC and CL increased faster than weight, suggesting catch up alveolar growth. Specific compliance (SCL) became normal. RL did not fall in proportion to the increase in weight and FRC and, therefore, specific conductance (SGL) decreased progressively. These results suggest an exaggerated dysanaptic lung growth in infants with CLD.
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Gerhardt, T., Hehre, D., Feller, R. et al. LONG-TERM STUDY OF PULMONARY FUNCTION IN INFANTS SURVIVING WITH CHRONIC LUNG DISEASE (CLD). Pediatr Res 18 (Suppl 4), 392 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01794
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198404001-01794