[Persistence of fetal circulation and high frequency oscillation]

High frequency ventilation (HVF) was used in 17 newborns with severe respiratory distress due to persistent fetal circulation. All patients except one had been treated previously but not satisfactorily by conventional ventilation. Four children died from neurological causes despite respiratory improvement. HVF failed in one case. Twelve newborns recovered without any sequelae. Thus HVF appears to be a most valuable ventilation technique in this situation.