Abstract
To evaluate the effect of MAS on mechanics of breathing, 10 infants with MAS (mean±S.E. gest. 40,6±1.0 wks, B.W. 3.2±0.2kg) and 12 control neonates (39.9±0.6 wks, 3.1±0.1kg, 1-3 days) were studied. Tidal vol.(TV), esoph. press. and flow rate were determined from an infant's pneumotachogram. Functional residual capacity (FRC) was measured by helium dilution method. Lung mechanics and arterial blood gases were studied in infants with MAS on the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 5th day of age.
Tachypnea, hyperventilation, high A-aDO2 (483±72mmHg), low PCO2 26.9±7.8mmHg) are characteristic of infants with MAS. Low compl. on the 1st day suggested a degree of alveolar ateleotasis. The persistent low sp. compl. observed after the 2nd day in spite of improved dynamic compl. indicates the increased FRC is not only due to alveolar opening, but also to alveolar overexpansion. Continuous distending pressure may be harmful in treating MAS late in the course of the disease.
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Yeh, T., Barathi, A., Lilien, L. et al. 1249 LUNG MECHANICS IN INFANTS WITH MECONIUM ASPIRATION SYNDROME (MAS). Pediatr Res 12 (Suppl 4), 572 (1978). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01255
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197804001-01255
