Pulmonary function tests as a predictor of chronic lung disease in ventilated preterm infants
Tortorolo, L.; Vento, G.; Zecca, E.; Romagnoli, C.
Minerva Pediatrica 50(5): 151-156
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0026-4946 PMID: 9842211 Document Number: 489290
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. 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. 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. 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.