Massive pulmonary haemorrhage in the newborn infant

Abstract

Six cases of massive pulmonary haemorrhage in newborn infants are described. 2 term infants suffered severe birth asphyxia and massive pulmonary haemorrhage presented early (mean 5 hr); in 4 preterm infants massive pulmonary haemorrhage presented late (mean 4 days) while receiving assisted ventilation. All the infants were treated with positive pressure ventilation, vigorous correction of pH, anaemia, and hypovolaemia, and 4 survived the acute condition. The authors suggest that the early elective use of intermittent positive pressure ventilation may be effective in controlling the pulmonary haemorrhage.