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[Pulmonary function tests as a predictor of chronic lung disease in ventilated preterm infants]
L Tortorolo1, G Vento, E Zecca
1Cattedra di Neonatologia, Università Cattolica S. Cuore, Roma.
Background:
The objective of this study was to determine if the value of respiratory system compliance and lung resistance could be a good predictor of chronic lung disease (CLD) in an early stage of this disease.
Methods:
The study was carried out on 48 preterms infant (BW < 1500 g) who were ventilated for respiratory distress, calculating pulmonary mechanics at 3, 5, 7 and 10 days of life with a standardized protocol of measurements.
Results:
Infants who did not develop CLD showed higher values of respiratory system dynamic compliance (Crsdyn) than the CLD group since the 5th day of life (p < 0.001). The values of lung resistance show a statistical significant difference between groups since the 7th day of life.
Conclusions:
These findings indicate that, with a well standardized method of measurements, the value of Crsdyn can well be a good predictor and a sensible prognostic factors for CLD.