Am J Perinatol 2011; 28(8): 585-592
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1275385
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Open Lung Strategy in a Lamb Model of Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Gonzalo Luis Mariani1 , Silvia Fernandez Jonusas1 , Carlos Maure1 , Mirta Esteban1 , Amorina Pardo1 , Beatriz Rapetti1 , Carlos Fustiñana1
  • 1Division of Neonatology and School of Medicine, Instituto Universitario, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires, Gascon, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Publication History

Publication Date:
21 March 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

We tested the hypothesis that an open lung strategy with recruitment maneuvers will improve oxygenation and decrease lung injury in comparison with a permissive hypercapnia strategy in preterm lambs. Preterm lambs born by operative delivery at 131 ± 1 days of gestational age (term = 150 days) were randomized to an open lung group (OLG, n = 5) or a permissive hypercapnia group (PHG, n = 4). In the OLG, ramp recruitment maneuvers were performed by increasing and then decreasing peak inspiratory pressure and positive end-expiratory pressure (adjusting for expiratory tidal volume [VT] 6 to 8 mL/kg). In the PHG, lambs received ventilation with VT of 6 to 8 mL/kg, adapting pressures and respiratory rate according to arterial blood gases results. Fraction of inspired oxygen was adjusted for oxygen saturation 88 to 93%. Lambs were ventilated for 6 hours. Lung pathology was assessed by masked examiners. There were no significant differences for arterial to alveolar oxygen tension ratio, partial pressure of arterial carbon dioxide, blood pressure, compliance, resistance, and other variables between groups. Gas leaks were noted in four of five lambs in the OLG and one of four in the PHG (relative risk 3.2; 95% confidence interval 0.5 to 18). By histological examination, lung areas were overdistended (49% in the OLG, 37% in the PHG). Open lung ventilation following ramp recruitment maneuvers did not offer advantages and might increase lung injury compared with a permissive hypercapnia strategy in preterm lambs with lung immaturity.

REFERENCES

Gonzalo Luis MarianiM.D. 

Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, Vice Director, Division of Neonatology, Hospital Italiano de Buenos Aires

Gascon 450 CP 1181, Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina

Email: gonzalo.mariani@hiba.org.ar