Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 17, 2026

Normothermic Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex Situ Lung Perfusion: Evaluation of Lung Function and Metabolism
09:31

Normothermic Negative Pressure Ventilation Ex Situ Lung Perfusion: Evaluation of Lung Function and Metabolism

Published on: February 14, 2022

Respiratory function in healthy late preterm infants delivered at 33-36 weeks of gestation

Cindy McEvoy1, Sridevi Venigalla, Diane Schilling

  • 1Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA.

The Journal of Pediatrics
|November 13, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Healthy late preterm infants show reduced respiratory compliance and altered expiratory flow dynamics compared to full-term infants, indicating potential long-term respiratory differences.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal physiology
  • Pediatric pulmonology
  • Respiratory medicine

Background:

  • Late preterm infants (33-36 weeks gestation) may experience subtle respiratory differences.
  • Pulmonary function in these infants is not well characterized at term corrected age.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare pulmonary function in healthy late preterm infants versus healthy term infants.
  • Assess respiratory compliance (Crs) and time to peak tidal expiratory flow to expiratory time (TPTEF:TE) at term corrected age.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective cohort study comparing late preterm and matched term infants.
  • Pulmonary function measured at term corrected age using single breath occlusion and flow-volume loops.
  • Key metrics: Crs, TPTEF:TE, and respiratory resistance.

Main Results:

  • Late preterm infants (n=31) exhibited significantly decreased Crs (1.14 vs 1.32 mL/cm H2O/kg) and TPTEF:TE (0.308 vs 0.423) compared to term infants (n=31).
  • Increased respiratory resistance (0.064 vs 0.043 cm H2O/mL/s) was observed in late preterm infants.
  • All comparisons were statistically significant (P < .02).

Conclusions:

  • Healthy late preterm infants demonstrate altered pulmonary function at term corrected age.
  • These findings suggest potential long-term respiratory implications for late preterm infants.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the clinical significance of these pulmonary differences.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities01:22

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities

The respiratory system is responsible for the intake of oxygen and the expulsion of carbon dioxide from the body. Respiratory volumes describe the volume of air in the lungs at different phases of the respiratory cycle. Tidal volume is the air breathed in and out during normal, quiet breathing. Inspiratory reserve volume is the air that can be forcefully inspired beyond the tidal volume. In contrast, expiratory reserve volume refers to the air that can be expelled from the lungs after a normal...
Respiratory Capacities01:24

Respiratory Capacities

Respiratory capacities are crucial indicators of lung function, representing the maximum amount of air an individual's respiratory system can handle during various breathing phases.
One key metric is the Inspiratory Capacity (IC), which represents the maximum amount of air that can be inhaled with full effort. IC is calculated by summing the tidal volume and inspiratory reserve volume, typically ranging from 2.4 to 3.6 liters.
The Functional Residual Capacity (FRC) represents the air in the...
Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation01:17

Pulmonary Cycle: Exhalation

In terms of human respiration, the act of expelling air, known as exhalation (or expiration), operates on the principle of pressure gradients. During expiration, the pressure within the lungs exceeds that of the surrounding atmosphere. Under normal conditions, quiet breathing involves passive exhalation and is free of muscular contractions. This is because the exhalation process is driven by the natural elastic recoil of the lungs and chest wall, both of which have an inherent tendency to...
Respiratory Volumes01:15

Respiratory Volumes

Respiratory volumes are crucial metrics, meticulously measured to quantify the air exchanged in and out of the lungs during various phases of the breathing cycle. These precise measurements are vital for assessing lung function, diagnosing respiratory conditions, and monitoring overall respiratory health. Each parameter provides specific insights into the mechanics of breathing and the functional capacity of the lungs.
Tidal Volume (TV) Tidal volume (TV) is the air inhaled or exhaled in a...
Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate01:20

Assessment of Ventilation I: Respiratory Rate

Assessment of Ventilation
A Ventilation assessment is critical for monitoring a patient's health status. Respiration, one of the most accessible vital signs, provides insights into the function of numerous body systems and can indicate serious health issues, such as brainstem injuries from head trauma.
Critical Guidelines for Assessing Ventilation:
Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I01:26

Respiratory Volumes and Capacities I

Assessing the respiratory rate and rhythm for a complete minute is crucial for evaluating the breathing pattern. Even a minor increase in the patient's average respiratory rate, by as little as three to five breaths per minute, is an early and vital indicator of respiratory distress. Patients with a respiratory rate exceeding twenty-four breaths per minute require close monitoring to determine the physiological alterations. This careful observation is essential for prompt recognition and...