Journal of Neonatal Biology

Abstract

Study of Pressure Volume Loop in Relation to Radiological Findings among Ventilated Newborn Infants

Safaa A El Meneza and Amel Gaber

Introduction: Pulmonary graphics monitoring of lung during mechanical ventilation have shown a reliable data among many ventilated newborn infants. Exposure of the newborn infants and NICU staff to frequent radiation from X-ray chest carries great risk. Aim of work: The aim of this study is to correlate the chest X-ray changes to the pressure –volume loop findings.
Subjects and methods: Fifty five ventilated newborn infants due to pulmonary disorders as well as fifteen newborn infants due to non-pulmonary causes were included in this study. They all subjected to medical evaluation and care according to the routine of our unit. The findings from X-ray were collected as well as the pressure volume loop monitoring data at the same time. The data were collected and analyzed using SPPS.
Results: There was correlation between pressure volume loop abnormalities and radiological findings of lungs. Newborn infants with RDS whose X ray chest showed a picture of white out lungs had a slit like pattern of P-V loop. Also cases with increase inspiratory resistance and radiological evidence of chronic lung diseases had widening of pulmonary P V loop. The study of pressure volume loop can indicate faulty in air flow when showed a flow starvation pattern. Segmental radiological abnormalities did not correlate with pressure volume loop anomalies. Non pulmonary cases did not show neither abnormal X-ray nor P-V loop abnormalities.

Conclusion: Pressure-volume loop provides useful information on the dynamic trends of the respiratory system compliance and resistance. Modern ventilators provide complete monitoring of respiratory system mechanics, which is our guideline for optimizing ventilatory support and avoiding complications associated with mechanical ventilation. Pressure volume loop abnormal changes can correlate significantly with the generalized lung diseases. Several studies are needed to bring more evidence to our results.