Assessment of effect of nasal continuous positive pressure on laryngeal opening using fibre optic laryngoscopy. Issue 3 (1st May 1999)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gaon, P; Lee, S; Hannan, S; Ingram, D; Milner, A D
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 80:Issue 3(1999)
• Page Start: F230
• Page End: F232
• Publication Date: 1999-05-01
• Subjects: nasal continuous positive airway pressure -- apnoea of prematurity -- laryngoscopy -- vocal cords; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/fn.80.3.F230
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : AIM: To assess the effect of nasal continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) on the dimensions of the laryngeal opening. METHODS: Nine preterm infants who had previously received ventilatory support for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were studied. All were receiving nasal CPAP. The laryngeal opening was visualised using a fibre optic video camera system. The ratio of width to length of the opening was measured on and off CPAP. RESULTS: In eight of the infants the width: length ratio increased on CPAP; mean change for group +24.4% (95% CI +11.9 to +37.9). CONCLUSIONS: Nasal CPAP seems to dilate the larynx. This may explain the selective beneficial effects of CPAP on mixed and obstructive apnoea.