Comparison between dynamic lung compliance and static compliance of the respiratory system in sick newborn infants
Popow, C.; Simbruner, G.
Wiener Klinische Wochenschrift 100(5): 153-157
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0043-5325 PMID: 3369171 Document Number: 322017
We compared dynamic lung compliance (Cldyn) determined by the oesophageal balloon technique with static compliance of the respiratory system (Crs) determined by an airway occlusion technique in 10 newborn infants with various cardio-respiratory diseases. The correlation between the two variables was linear and statistically significant (r = 0.911, p less than 0.0003; Cldyn = 1.51.Crs-0.48). Crs varied significantly less than Cldyn (mean coefficient of variation 3.9 for Crs vs. 9.3 for Cldyn; t = 6.06, p less than 0.0002). Since Crs is closely related to lung compliance but a more reliable parameter and technically easier to assess, we recommend the assessment of Crs instead of Cldyn in clinical practice.