Noradrenaline for management of septic shock refractory to fluid loading and dopamine or dobutamine in full-term newborn infants.

Aim: To determine the effects of noradrenaline in full-term newborns with refractory septic shock.

Methods: Newborns of >35 weeks' gestation with persistent septic shock, despite adequate fluid resuscitation and high dose of dopamine/dobutamine were eligible. In this prospective observational study, we recorded respiratory and hemodynamic parameters prior to and 3 h after starting noradrenaline infusion.

Influence of three nasal continuous positive airway pressure devices on breathing pattern in preterm infants.

The pattern of breathing was studied in 13 premature newborns treated by variable-flow Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (NCPAP), conventional NCPAP, and nasal cannulae. Compared to constant-flow NCPAP and nasal cannulae, the variable-flow NCPAP increases tidal volume and improves thoraco-abdominal synchrony, suggesting that variable-flow NCPAP provides more effective ventilatory support than conventional NCPAP or nasal cannulae.

Effect of increasing inspiratory time on respiratory mechanics in mechanically ventilated neonates.

Objective: To investigate the effect of inspiratory time and inspiratory flow on the respiratory mechanics of intubated and ventilated neonates.

Design: Physiology study.

Setting: Tertiary university neonatal intensive care unit.