Improved prognosis of infants mechanically ventilated for hyaline membrane disease. Issue 7 (July 1974)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Reynolds, E. O. R.; Taghizadeh, A.
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 49:Issue 7(1974)
• Page Start: 505
• Page End: 515
• Publication Date: 1974-07
• Subjects: Children -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920005
• DOI: 10.1136/adc.49.7.505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-9888

Abstract

Abstract : The results of mechanical ventilation for severe hyaline membrane disease (HMD), and the changes in technique which took place, during the 6-year period 1967-72 are described. A pilot study of the effect of hydrocortisone among the most severely affected infants showed no benefit. After the introduction at the beginning of 1970 of a regimen for ventilating the infants at low peak airway pressures, slow respiratory frequencies, and high inspiration: expiration ratios, there was a sudden increase in survival rate which was largely accounted for by a reduction in the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Evidence is presented that in infants with HMD mechanical factors are more important than oxygen toxicity in the pathogenesis of this condition.