High frequency ventilation in the treatment of severe respiratory distress syndrome

Objective To explore the effectiveness of high frequency ventilation in the treatment of neonates with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Methods Twenty neonates with≥ gradeⅡRDS confirmed by chest X- ray and needed conventional mechanical ventilation (CMV) treatment were enrolled in this study. Patients who failed to maintain SO2 ≥0.90 when FiO2≥0.8 and/or MAP≥11 cmH2O within 2 hours were changed to high freguency ventilation (HFV). Results Twenty cases met the severe RDS criteria, who′s gestational age was (33±4)w and birth weight was (2.1±0.8) kg. Among them 8 cases were assigned to HFV. After 2-hour treatment, SO2 of HFV group increased to>0.90. Arterial to alveoli oxygen ratio (a/A) improved significantly (0.08±0.01 to 0.18±0.05, P<0.01). Oxygenation index (OI) decreased rapidly (33±11 to 14±4, P<0.01). FiO2 decreased rapidly (0.90±0.10 and 0.70±0.20, P<0.01). After 8 hours treatment FiO2 continually decreased to 0.60±0.18. Conclusion The authors concluded that HFV was an effective rescue method for neonates with RDS in whom CMV failed. Key words: High frequency ventilation; Respiration, artificial; Respiratory distress syndrome; Infant, newborn