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Inductance Plethysmography in Preterm Newborns Under Volume Guarantee Ventilation: A Crossover Study
Pedro Ykaro Fialho Silva1,2, Mayara Fabiana Pereira Costa1, Ingrid Guerra Azevedo3
1Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Rio Grande Do Norte/UFRN, Natal, Brazil.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|May 7, 2025
Summary
Volume Guarantee (VG) ventilation improves chest expansion and oxygen saturation in preterm infants compared to Assist-Control (AC-PC) mode. This mode also shows a trend towards reduced heart rate, benefiting neonatal respiratory support.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Clinical Ventilation Strategies
Background:
- Preterm newborns have diaphragmatic dysfunction, leading to inefficient ventilation and increased energy expenditure.
- The diaphragm's flat, weak, and horizontal position in preterm infants compromises pulmonary mechanics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare chest expansion in preterm neonates under assist-control (AC-PC) and inspiratory pressure control with volume guarantee (VG) ventilation.
- To evaluate secondary ventilatory and autonomic outcomes associated with these ventilation modes.
Main Methods:
- A crossover clinical trial measured chest expansion via inductance plethysmography.
- Ventilatory (peak pressure, minute volume, compliance, resistance) and autonomic (heart rate, respiratory rate, SpO2) parameters were recorded.
- Measurements were taken at 0, 30, and 60 minutes with a 30-minute washout period between modes.
Main Results:
- Chest expansion was significantly higher in VG mode across all time points (T0, T30, T60).
- Peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) was higher in VG mode, particularly at T30.
- Heart rate was lower in VG mode at T60, with a non-significant trend for lower respiratory rate.
Conclusions:
- Volume Guarantee (VG) ventilation enhances chest expansion and peripheral oxygen saturation in preterm infants compared to AC-PC.
- VG ventilation may also contribute to a reduced heart rate in this population.
- These findings suggest VG as a potentially beneficial ventilation strategy for preterm neonates.
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