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The role of high frequency oscillatory ventilation in very preterm infants
1Department Child Health, St. George's Hospital, London, UK. salvert@sghms.ac.uk
The role of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) for the treatment of respiratory disease in preterm infants remains uncertain. Animal work demonstrates reduced lung injury with HFOV compared to conventional ventilation (CV), and previous human trials suggest that in preterm infants HFOV reduces the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD). However, the trials themselves have several limitations. In an attempt to conclusively establish the role of HFOV for the prevention of CLD in very preterm infants we conducted a large, UK based, multicentre trial. Preliminary results of this study suggest there are no significant differences between the two modes of ventilation regarding mortality and incidence of CLD.
The role of high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) for the treatment of respiratory disease in preterm infants remains uncertain. Animal work demonstrates reduced lung injury with HFOV compared to conventional ventilation (CV), and previous human trials suggest that in preterm infants HFOV reduces the incidence of chronic lung disease (CLD). However, the trials themselves have several limitations. In an attempt to conclusively establish the role of HFOV for the prevention of CLD in very preterm infants we conducted a large, UK based, multicentre trial. Preliminary results of this study suggest there are no significant differences between the two modes of ventilation regarding mortality and incidence of CLD.
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