Analysis of forced expiratory maneuvers from raised lung volumes in preterm infants

During recent years it has been suggested that forced expiratory measurements, derived from a lung volume set by a standardized inflation pressure, are more reproducible than those attained during tidal breathing when the rapid thoracoabdominal compression technique is used in infants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining measurements from raised lung volumes in unsedated preterm infants. Measurements were made in 18 infants (gestational age 26-35 wk, postnatal age 1-10 wk, test weight 1.4-3. 5 kg). Several inflations [1.5-2.5 kPa (15-25 cmH2O)] were used to briefly inhibit respiratory effort before the rapid thoracoabdominal compression was performed. Conventional analysis of flows and volumes at fixed times and percentages of the forced expiration resulted in a relatively high variability in this population. However, by using the elastic equilibrium point (i.e., the passively determined lung volume, derived from passive expirations before the forced expiration) as a volume landmark, it was feasible to achieve reproducible results in unsedated preterm infants, despite their strong respiratory reflexes and rapid respiratory rates. Because this approach is independent of changes in expiratory time, expired volume, or applied pressures, it may facilitate investigation of the effects of growth, development, and disease on airway function in infants, particularly during the first weeks of life, when conventional analysis of forced expirations may be inappropriate.