[Diagnosis of lung function in intensive care of newborn infants]

We report our initial experience with pulmonary function testing in neonates during intensive care, using an automated, computerized system (PEDS), which allows non-invasive and rapid determination of pulmonary mechanics and energetics such as compliance, resistance and respiratory drive, and measurement of lung volume (functional residual capacity). This method is used for better physiological characterization and quantification of the respiratory status, to assess the effectiveness of mechanical ventilation and pharmacological therapy, and to guide weaning and extubation. Despite certain limitations with regard to direct evaluation of the respiratory status especially in very sick neonates, pulmonary function testing has contributed to a better understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms of pulmonary dysfunction and can also be useful to optimize clinical management of neonates in intensive care.