Abstract
Phospholipids are the major components of the pulmonary surfactant and ensure its fluidity. It is possible to evaluate their functional quality by a simple method of fluorescence polarization widely used in amniotic fluid to assess fetal lung maturity. In the present study, we have used this technique to evaluate the tensio-active properties of the phospholipids in tracheal aspirates from 150 newborns with respiratory distress.
Measurement of microviscosity was carried out using the fluorescent probe 1.6. Diphenyl 1.3.5. Hexatriene (DPH).
The microviscosity values obtained with aspirates from the neonatal control group (n = 50) without pulmonary pathology was always < 3 poises.
The pathological group (n = 150) of newborns can be divided into two subgroups : A with favorable outcome and B with an unfavorable outcome leading to death. In group A the initial microviscosity of 5 ± 05 poises (mean ± SD) decreased to 2.5 ± 0.3 poises at the time of extubation (p< 0.001). In group B the initial microviscosity was 4.8 ± 0.5 poises (no significant difference p>0.05). However in this group microviscosity subsequently rose. In all cases the ri e of microviscosity was accompagnied by deterioration in respiratory function.
We conclude that the measurement of tracheal microviscosity provides a new method for checking pulmonary function in the first days of life.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Labbe, A., Motta, C., Assali, P. et al. 7 Assessment of pulmonary function by measurement of phospholipid microviscosity in tracheal aspirates of newborns with respiratory distress syndrôme. Pediatr Res 20, 1035 (1986). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00061
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198610000-00061
