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A Model of Self-limited Acute Lung Injury by Unilateral Intra-bronchial Acid Instillation
00:07

A Model of Self-limited Acute Lung Injury by Unilateral Intra-bronchial Acid Instillation

Published on: August 30, 2019

Unilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema following pneumonia in a preterm infant successfully treated with

D O'Donovan1, M Wearden, J Adams

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.

American Journal of Perinatology
|December 30, 1999
PubMed

Insights

A preterm infant with Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia experienced severe pulmonary interstitial emphysema. Prolonged selective bronchial intubation for 10 days led to clinical improvement and emphysema resolution, suggesting longer intubation may be needed.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal Medicine
  • Pediatric Pulmonology
  • Critical Care

Background:

  • Premature infants, particularly those with respiratory distress, are susceptible to lung injuries.
  • Pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE) is a serious complication in ventilated neonates.
  • Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia can exacerbate respiratory compromise in preterm infants.

Observation:

  • A 26-week's gestation preterm infant developed severe unilateral (right-sided) pulmonary interstitial emphysema.
  • The infant's condition followed a diagnosis of Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia.
  • The infant required mechanical ventilation and selective bronchial intubation.

Findings:

  • Prolonged selective bronchial intubation, lasting 10 days, was implemented.
  • This intervention resulted in significant clinical improvement for the infant.
  • Resolution of the unilateral pulmonary interstitial emphysema was observed following the prolonged intubation.

Implications:

  • Current recommendations for selective bronchial intubation duration for PIE may be insufficient.
  • Extended selective bronchial intubation could be a crucial therapeutic strategy for unilateral PIE in preterm neonates.
  • This case highlights the need for reassessing treatment protocols for severe PIE in premature infants.

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