[Assisted ventilation of newborn infants during sleep. Study of factors modifying adaptation to ventilation]

During sleep, of ventilated newborns and young infants, spontaneous respiratory movements may occur, unrelated to the ventilation impulsions. The respiratory pattern is then classified as "active". On the contrary, the respiratory pattern is classified as "passive", when all respiratory movements are related to the ventilation insufflation. The factors which influence the dependence on the ventilator are studied in a group of 20 newborn and young infants. Prematurity, some biological data such as hyperoxia, hypocapnia, seem to favor this dependence. A rapid rate of ventilation (superior to 30/minute) is rarely related to an active respiration; a slow rate of ventilation seems favor this respiratory pattern. It is clear that adaptation to artificial ventilation is better during quiet sleep than during active sleep. Some physiopathological considerations are developed.