Feasibility of mid-frequency ventilation among infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Mid-frequency ventilation, a strategy of using conventional ventilators at high frequencies, may reduce lung injury but has had limited evaluation in neonates. Hence, a randomized crossover study was designed to assess the feasibility of using mid-frequency ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. METHODS: Twelve preterm infants (>500 g and >24 weeks gestational age) who were receiving pressure-limited conventional ventilation with frequencies <60 breaths/min for respiratory distress syndrome were randomized to periods of mid-frequency ventilation (conventional ventilation with the fastest frequency up to 150 breaths/min that gave complete inspiration and expiration) or conventional ventilation (frequency <60 breaths/min), each lasting 2 h using a crossover design. Ventilator parameters were adjusted to maintain the O2 saturation and transcutaneous CO2 at baseline. RESULTS: Mean peak inspiratory pressure (15 = 4 cmH2Ovs 18 = 4 cmH2O, P