1787 Measuring Exhaled Co2 During Mask Ventilation of Preterm Infants at Birth; A Novel Tool for Assessing Lung Aeration?

Abstract

Positive pressure ventilation (PPV) remains the cornerstone of respiratory support after birth. Although, gas going in and out of the lung can be measured with a respiratory function monitor, gas exchange (or effective ventilation) may only be determined by presence of exhaled CO2. To identify non-invasive clinical tools to assess lung aeration in infants receiving PPV after birth. Deliveries of preterm infants < 32 weeks gestation were attended. During PPV we measured airway pressures, gas flow and tidal volume (VT), exhaled CO2, heart rate and oxygen saturation. We compared delivered VT and heart rate before and after exhaled CO2 was measured. In 10 preterm infants exhaled CO2 and respirat..