Pneumothorax in mechanically ventilated neonates with hyaline membrane disease

A prospective study was done on twenty two neonates who have developed pneumothorax during mechanical ventilation because of severe hyaline membrane disease. A control group was formed of equal number of neonates who were mechanically ventilated and did not develop pneumothorax. No significant difference, in the mean birth weight, one minute Apgar score or the age at initiation of mechanical ventilation, was found between the two groups. The maximum inspiratory time prior to air leak was significantly longer in the study group, while the peak inspiratory pressure was not significantly higher. In 16 cases pneumothorax developed during the acute phase of the disease while the patients were receiving intermittent mandatory ventilation [IMV]. In 6 cases, alveolar rupture occurred in the recovery phase during weaning the patients were on continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP]/ Pneumothorax was right sided in 12 cases, left side in 9 and bilateral in one. The overall mortality in the study group was 54%