[Measurement of respiratory resistance in newborn infants with the oscillation method]

Total respiratory resistance (Ros) was measured in 36 healthy newborn infants, using a forced oscillation technique. In contrast to other oscillation methods, an existing phase shift between oscillation pressure and flow has been taken into consideration using a phase diagram. Concurrent measurements of airway resistance (Raw) were made using the body-plethysmographic method and pulmonary resistance (R1) by oesophageal balloon method. A significant relationship was found to exist between Ros and Raw (r=0.63), and also between Ros and R1 (R=0.64). The technique described proved to be practical in the newborns.