Pulmonary interstitial emphysema is one of the most serious complications of the respiratory distress syndrome. Its presence significantly increases morbidity and mortality. Preliminary reports have demonstrated the success of high-frequency ventilation in the treatment of pulmonary interstitial emphysema. In a previous investigation, we were able to develop a formula for predicting death in infants weighing less than 1,500 g with pulmonary interstitial emphysema. Using this subgroup of severely affected infants, we studied the efficacy of high-frequency ventilation in nine infants. Using the Volumetric Diffusive Respirator, we observed improvement in all respiratory values measured (pH, Pco2, and Po2), a significantly decreased mean airway pressure (MAP), and improvement in neonatal mortality. Complications of severe bleeding diatheses, hypotension, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and necrotizing tracheobronchitis were observed. Our investigation was the first to systematically choose infants who might benefit from high-frequency ventilation and to compare them with similar infants with known outcomes. We realize that the study was rescue in nature using historical controls, but we felt compelled to assure the safety of the device before randomizing less sick infants. High-frequency ventilation appears to be effective in the acute management of low birth weight infants with pulmonary interstitial emphysema.
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