Treatment of RDS by high-frequency oscillatory ventilation: a preliminary report

The feasibility of high-frequency oscillatory ventilation was investigated in eight neonates with severe RDS. Low-volume, high-frequency flow oscillations were generated by a piston pump and delivered through standard endotracheal tubes. Oscillatory frequencies ranged from 8 to 20 Hz and mean airway pressure from 9 to 20 cm H2O. Heart rate, airway pressures, and arterial blood gases and blood pressure were monitored during both continuous positive pressure ventilation and HFO. During HFO mean PaCO2 was 44.0 +/- 4.8 mm Hg. During CPPV immediately prior to oscillation an FIO2 of 0.66 +/- 0.15 resulted in a PaO2 of 59.6 +/- 17.0 mm Hg. Oxygenation improved during HFO such that a mean FIO2 of only 0.41 +/- 0.11 was needed for similar oxygenation. Improvements in oxygenation correlated directly with increases in mean airway pressure. Based on an animal model the phasic pressure swings during HFO are estimated to be 5 to 7 cm H2O in the trachea, much less than conventional ventilation. We conclude that HFO shows great promise in the support of gas exchange in infants with RDS. The use of small phasic volume and pressure swings should minimize pulmonary barotrauma. HFO should also permit the use of lower inspired oxygen fractions.