Tidal Volume Delivery during the Anesthetic Management of Neonates Is Variable

Abstract

Objectives To describe expiratory tidal volume (VT) during routine anesthetic management of neonates at a single tertiary neonatal surgical center, as well as the proportion of VT values within the range of 4.0-8.0mL/kg. Study design A total of 26 neonates needing surgery under general anesthesia were studied, of whom 18 were intubated postoperatively. VT was measured continuously during normal clinical care using a dedicated neonatal respiratory function monitor (RFM), with clinicians blinded to values. VT, pressure, and cardiorespiratory variables were recorded regularly while intubated intraoperatively, during postoperative transport, and for 15 minutes after returning to the neonatal int..