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Protocol and Guidelines for Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Diagnosing Neonatal Pulmonary Diseases Based on International Expert Consensus
Published on: March 6, 2019
Dynamics of chest wall in preterm infants
Journal of Applied Physiology (Bethesda, Md. : 1985)
|January 1, 1987
Summary
Preterm infants exhibit flexible chest wall dynamics during breathing, influencing respiratory mechanics. This study quantifies chest wall compliance and pressure-volume behavior in these infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Respiratory Physiology
- Bioengineering
Background:
- The chest wall in preterm infants is notably flexible, leading to paradoxical breathing movements.
- Understanding chest wall mechanics is crucial for managing respiratory distress in neonates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the chest wall dynamics in preterm infants.
- To characterize the pressure-volume relationship and compliance of the preterm chest wall.
Main Methods:
- Utilized inductance plethysmography to partition chest wall volume.
- Measured transthoracic and abdominal pressures during breathing maneuvers.
- Analyzed pressure-volume loops during airway occlusion, late inspiration, and early expiration.
Main Results:
- Observed significant hysteresis between chest wall volume and transthoracic pressure.
- Demonstrated linear pressure-volume behavior during specific respiratory phases.
- Calculated instantaneous chest wall compliance averaging 0.89-0.94 ml/cmH2O and dynamic compliance of 7.8 ml/cmH2O.
Conclusions:
- The flexible chest wall in preterm infants has unique pressure-volume characteristics.
- This flexibility suggests a compliant linkage to the diaphragm, impacting breathing mechanics.
- Findings provide insights into the biomechanics of infant respiration.
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