OPTIMUM LEVELS OF CPAP FOR TRACHEAL EXTUBATION OF NEWBORN-INFANTS

Arterial O2 tension [PaO2] and functional residual capacity [FRC] were studied in 16 intubated, spontaneously breathing newborn infants recovering from respiratory disease. Studies were made at 2 cm H2O continuous positive airway pressure, at zero end expiratory pressure and following extubation. PaO2 and FRC at 2 cm H2O CPAP [continuous positive airway pressure] were the same as observed following extubation, but both values were significantly lower at zero end expiratory pressure.