[Pulmonary function in newborn infants with transitory tachypnea and pneumothorax]

The pulmonary function has been studied in 13 newborns with transient tachypnea (TT), matched for birth weight in 7 newborns with pneumothorax (NT) with higher birth weight than 2,500 g and the results were compared with 21 newborns healthy, matched for weight. The study was done in first 24 h after birth. Inspiratory and expiratory flow was measured by a pneumotachograph, esophageal pressure though a water-filled feeding tube. Lung compliance was lower in the newborns with respiratory distress, which results in less tidal volume, whereas the minute ventilation remains unchanged due higher significantly breathing rate. Lung resistance were higher in the newborns with Nt, although without significantly differences. Work of breathing was higher in the newborns with respiratory distress although without significantly differences.