EFFECT OF INTRAVENTRICULAR HEMORRHAGE (IVH) ON PULMONARY FUNCTION IN NEWBORN PIGLETS

Abstract

While pulmonary dysfunction is a known complication of severe head injury in adults, little is known about the effects of cerebral injury on pulmonary function in newborn infants. We studied the effects of IVH on respiration and pulmonary mechanics in newborn piglets. The animals were intubated and mechanically ventilated at low frequencies to allow for spontaneous breathing between mechanical breaths. Blood (8ml/100g estimated brain weight (100%)) was than infused into the lateral cerebral ventricle. Gas exchange, respiratory rata (RR) and intracerebral pressure (ICP) ware studied untill apnea.IVH primarily affects RR untill apnea and reduces minute ventilation (MV). Cl did not change. The increased R might be caused by bronchial constriction or neuroyonic pulmonary edema. The increased R might also be a factor in the need for increased ventilatory support in infante with IVH.