87 Aerosolized Pfc Improves Pulmonary Function and Gas Exchange in a Preterm Lamb Model

Abstract

Background: The aerosolization of PFC has emerged as a feasible alternative to the instillation for the experimental treatment of Respiratory Distress Syndrome.Aim: To determine the effects of aerosolized perfluorocarbon (PFC) on pulmonary gas exchange and lung function in preterm lambs.Methods: 12 preterm lambs (80-90%GE) were used. Lambs were randomly assigned to receive aerosolized PFC (10 ml/kg/h for 2h), delivered via an inhalation catheter, coupled to a jet nebuliser, and placed at the distal end of the endotracheal tube connected to a ventilator (PFC-aerosol) or not (CONTROL), both groups were maintained during 6h on IMV. Cardiovascular parameters, arterial partial pressure of CO2 (PaCO2), pH, oxygenation index (IO), arterial-alveolar oxygen ratio (a/APO2), alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient (A-a)DO2 and pulmonary function (compliance Cdyn and tidal volumen VT) were measured each 30 min during the experiment. Mean±SD, ANOVA, p< 0.05.Results: After 90min of treatment, animals in PFC-aerosol group, significantly improved gas exchange in comparison to Control group, being the improvement persistent until the end of the experiment: PaCO2 (37±6 vs. 93±12 mmHg), pH (7.41±0.11 vs. 7.15±0.09), IO (9±3 VS. 77±44), a/APO2 (0.29±0.11 vs. 0.04±0.02), (A-a)DO2 (294±133 vs. 572±20). Moreover, the pulmonary function significantly improved after 60 min of treatment in PFC-aerosol group compared to Control group, the improvement was sustained during the experimental period: Cdyn (0.53±0.05 vs. 0.27±0.04 ml/cmH2O/kg), VT (12.5±2.4 vs. 5.2±1.8 ml/kg). During all the experimental period there were not changes on cardiovascular parameters.Conclusion: Our results show that administration of aerosolized PFC improves pulmonary function and gas exchange. FIS07/0733-GV2007111046