DECLINE IN RESPIRATORY COMPLIANCE DURING THE FIRST WEEK OF LIFE IN INFANTS ≤ 1000 g

Single measurements of respiratory compliance (Crs) in premature infants have been reported; however serial recordings have not been published. Monitoring respiratory mechanics could improve ventilation techniques. Using a non-invasive single breath occlusion technique (LeSouef et al: Am Rev Resp Dis 129:521, 1984) Crs was measured serially in 10 ventilated infants ≤ 1000 g. 2 infants with very low Crs ≤ .25 ml·cm H2O−1 died on day 1 from …