Results of mechanical ventilation in premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

This paper reveals the results of synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation in premature babies over a period of 8 years. Out of 1532 mechanical ventilated newborns 438 were prematures with severe hyaline membrane disease. The incidence of barotraumatic complications (Pneumothorax 1.2%, pulmonary interstitial emphysema 3% and bronchopulmonary dysplasia 3.4%) was relatively low. We discuss this as an effect of using low respirator frequencies guaranteering sufficient emptying time of the lungs.