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Pulmonary mechanics of normal very-low-birth-weight infants at 40 weeks postconception: a comparison with normal term
1Katsushika Red Cross Maternity Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Pulmonary function in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants matches term infants by discharge. Despite immature lungs at birth, VLBW infants
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Physiology
- Respiratory Medicine
- Pediatric Pulmonology
Background:
- Pulmonary function in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants near term is not well understood.
- Assessing lung function at discharge is crucial for VLBW infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate pulmonary function in healthy, nonventilated VLBW infants at 40 weeks postconception.
- To compare VLBW infants' pulmonary status with that of normal term infants.
Main Methods:
- Pulmonary function, mechanics, and energetics were measured in 7 VLBW and 5 term infants at 40 weeks postconception.
- Measurements included dynamic compliance, resistance, work of breathing, tidal volume, and respiratory rate.
- A CP-100 pulmonary monitor and least mean square technique were utilized.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were found between VLBW and term infants in ventilation, respiratory mechanics, or energetics.
- Key parameters like dynamic compliance, resistance, and work of breathing were comparable.
- Respiratory rate and tidal volume also showed no significant divergence.
Conclusions:
- The respiratory system of normal VLBW infants matures to match term infants by 40 weeks postconception.
- VLBW infants' pulmonary function is comparable to term infants at the time of hospital discharge.
- This suggests successful catch-up development of the respiratory system in VLBW infants.
Abstract:
We evaluated pulmonary function status in healthy, nonventilated very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) infants at 40 weeks postconception because little is known about the pulmonary function status of these infants at the time of discharge. Seven normal VLBW infants were evaluated at 40 weeks postconception, and five normal term infants were examined as a control. The neonates were placed supine with their heads in the neutral position. Data were obtained while the infant was resting quietly and breathing spontaneously prior to feeding. Pulmonary mechanics and energetics were measured with a CP-100 pulmonary monitor (Bicore Co. Ltd.). Pulmonary mechanics and energetics were determined by the least mean square technique. Dynamic compliance (Cdyn), resistance (Rtot, Re), and work of breathing (WOB) were calculated for the total breath, and tidal volume, minute ventilation, ratio of inspiratory time to respiratory period (Ti/Ttot), and respiratory rate were measured. There were no significant differences between normal VLBW infants and term infants in regard to ventilation, mechanics, or energetics. Although the respiratory system of normal VLBW infants is immature at birth, its development caught up to term infants by the time of discharge.