Long-term outcomes after mechanical ventilation in neonates

Abstract

The following chapter begins with a brief overview of the development of mechanical ventilation in neonates and how advances in this field have led to improvements in both survival and morbidity. The importance of variables that make these neonates vulnerable to respiratory disease that warrants the initiation of mechanical ventilation is highlighted. For infants who received mechanical ventilation following respiratory failure, the short-and long-term respiratory function and neurological outcomes are discussed. The capacity of these neonates to undertake exercise in childhood is discussed in detail. Finally, the chapter discusses the future prospects for these patients.