Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
[Continuous negative pressure (cnp) in infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (irds) (author's
Insights
Continuous negative pressure (CNP) therapy in a chamber improved outcomes for premature infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS). This method is beneficial for early to medium-severe IRDS cases.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Respiratory Medicine
Context:
- Idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) is a common condition in premature infants.
- Previous treatment outcomes for IRDS showed significant mortality rates.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the efficacy of continuous negative pressure (CNP) therapy in a chamber for treating infants with IRDS.
- To compare mortality rates and clinical responses in infants treated with CNP versus standard care.
Summary:
- 13 premature infants with IRDS were treated with CNP therapy. Mortality in the CNP group was 4/13, compared to 6/13 in a differently treated group and 18/27 in the previous year.
- Infants receiving CNP showed decreased respiratory frequency, reduced grunting, and improved skin color.
- Pathological findings in deceased infants included atelectasis and interstitial emphysema; one infant died from coagulopathy. One survivor developed hydrocephalus.
Impact:
- CNP therapy in a chamber is a valuable treatment for early to medium-severe IRDS.
- Early application of CNP may prevent the development of severe IRDS.
- CNP therapy is not recommended for severe cases of IRDS.
Abstract:
13 unselected premature infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome (IRDS) have been treated with continuous negative pressure (CNP). A chamber was applied to the infants' body, so that the head remained outside in normal atmospheric pressure. 4 infants died during the period of treatment. 6 out of 13 differently treated IRDS-infants died over the same 6 months period. In comparison 18 out of 27 infants with IRDS died the previous year, during the same period. The frequency of IRDS in both observation periods was the same, as was the therapy of acidosis and hypoxia. The infants responded to CNP with decreased respiratory frequency, lessening of "grunting" and return of a pink skin color. Pathological examination of 3 out of 4 deceased infants in the study group revealed both atelectases and some degree of interstitial emphysema and widened capillaries. No intravascular hyaline thrombi were seen. The remaining infant died with clinical signs of coagulopathy (no autopsy). Of the 9 surviving infants in the study group one developed a hydrocephalus and subsequent mild psychomotor developmental retardation. We conclude that the CNP therapy in the chamber is an asset to the treatment of early and medium-severe cases of IRDS. We believe, that early application might prevent development of severe IRDS. The method is not recommended for severe cases.
Related Concept Videos
Pressure Relationships in Thoracic Cavity
Breathing Mechanisms
Both intra-alveolar and intrapleural pressures rely on specific lung properties. The ability to breathe—allowing air to enter the lungs during...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Mechanical Ventilation II: Invasive Ventilation
Negative-Pressure Ventilators
Negative-pressure ventilators create a vacuum around the chest or body to draw air into the lungs, simulating breathing. This method does not require an...
Mechanical Ventilation III: Noninvasive Ventilation
Noninvasive Positive-Pressure Ventilation (NIPPV)
Respiratory Syncytial Virus Disease

