Sustained Lung Inflation: Physiology and Practice

Clin Perinatol. 2016 Dec;43(4):633-646. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2016.07.002.

Abstract

Lung aeration is the most critical task newborns must accomplish after birth. Almost all extremely preterm infants require respiratory support during this process, but the best method to promote lung aeration in preterm infants is unknown. The current standard practice is intermittent positive pressure ventilation with positive end-expiratory pressure. Sustained inflation is a promising alternative strategy for lung liquid clearance and aeration. Here we review the physiologic rationale for sustained inflation and the available clinical evidence for sustained inflation in preterm infants.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02139800.

Keywords: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia; Lung aeration; Preterm; Sustained inflation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature
  • Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation / methods*
  • Lung / physiology*
  • Lung / physiopathology
  • Positive-Pressure Respiration / methods
  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn / therapy*
  • Respiratory Physiological Phenomena*

Supplementary concepts

  • Respiratory Distress Syndrome In Premature Infants

Associated data

  • ClinicalTrials.gov/NCT02139800