147 Loss of End-Expiratory Lung Volume During Periods of Hypopnoea in Preterm Infants with Early Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS) Receiving CPAP

Abstract

Whether variations in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) occur in stable infants receiving nasal CPAP is unknown. This study aimed to describe global and regional volumetric behavior over periods of hypopnoea (< 20 breaths/min over 15-secs) in preterm infants < 18 hours of age receiving nasal CPAP. Twenty infants < 32 weeks’ receiving CPAP were studied whilst supine. Clinicians set CPAP level at mean(SD) 6(1)cmH2O in FiO2 0.25(0.03). Relative ΔEELV and tidal volume (V T) [respiratory inductive plethysmography] ] and regional ΔEELV [electrical impedance tomography] were measured. 20-secs of data were analysed preceding and following episodes of hypopnoea and ΔEELV and ΔV T determined (expresse..