To monitor the characteristics of respiratory mechanics in newborns with acute respiratory failure and to assess its clinical significance

Abstract

Objectives To explore the characteristics of respiratory mechanics in newborns with acute respiratory failure(ARF)during tracheal intubation.To assess the significance of respiratory mechanics monitoring. Methods The indices of respiratory mechanics were measured by Bicore CP-100 pulmonary monitor in 36 newborns admitted with the NICU due to acute respiratory failure during tracheal intubation.Their arterial blood gas were examined at the same time. Results There were significant differences between pulmonary failure and respiratory pump failure in Rrs(t = 2.47, P<0.05),Crs(t = 2.78, P<0.01),WOBp(t= 11.03 , P<0.01),OI(t=18.26, P<0.01).There was negative correlation and linear regression relation between Crs and OI(r = 0.93, Y = 34.09 — 42.61X,P<0.05).There were significant difference in indices of respiratory mechanics between non-survivors and survivors(P<0.05). Conclusion Respiratory mechanics monitoring during tracheal intubation in acute respiratory failure patients is valuable in evaluating the dynamic changes of lung's disease, directing the mechanical ventilation management and predicting outcome, especially in the pulmonary failure patients.It is of importance to distinguish pulmonary failure from respiratory pump failure. Key words: respiratory mechanics; mechanical ventilation; acute respiratory failure; infant; newborn