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Am J Perinatol 1995; 12(5): 336-338
DOI: 10.1055/s-2007-994490
ORIGINAL ARTICLE

© 1995 by Thieme Medical Publishers, Inc.

Life-Threatening Inadvertent Positive End-Expiratory Pressure

Ben J. Stenson, Rebecca M. Glover, Rosalie A. Wilkie, Ian A. Laing, William O. Tarnow-Mordi
  • Department of Child Life and Health, University of Edinburgh, and Department of Child Health, Centre for Research into Human Development, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom
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Publication History

Publication Date:
04 March 2008 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Inadvertent positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a potential cause of lung overdistension and impaired gas exchange in ventilated infants. It can be extremely difficult to diagnose clinically and if unrecognized can be life-threatening. Measurement of lung function can lead to the recognition of inadvertent PEEP, allowing appropriate ventilator adjustment with immediate substantial improvement in clinical state. Lung function measurements can help to optimize ventilation and may improve clinical outcome.

Keywords

Positive end-expiratory pressure - gas exchange - lung distension - ventilation