High-frequency flow interruption in the rescue of preterm infants with severe RDS.

ABSTRACT

High-frequency flow interruption (HFFI) was used successfully to rescue three preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) whose clinical condition continued to deteriorate while on the conventional mechanical ventilation. Had the HFFI not been used, the survival chances might have been 25 per cent for Case 1 and 2, and 45.5 per cent for Case 3. A dramatic, immediate, and sustained improvement in ventilation and oxygenation was demonstrated once the critical frequency and amplitude of HFFI were established. Bronchopulmonary dysplasia which was already evidenced in one infant before the HFFI attempt was detected in two infants. This study demonstrates that HFFI is capable of achieving adequate gas exchange and improving survival in infants with severe RDS.