Extubation generates lung volume inhomogeneity in preterm infants.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of electrical impedance tomography (EIT) to describe the regional tidal ventilation (V) and change in end-expiratory lung volume (EELV) patterns in preterm infants during the process of extubation from invasive to non-invasive respiratory support.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: Single-centre tertiary neonatal intensive care unit.

Distribution of tidal ventilation during volume-targeted ventilation is variable and influenced by age in the preterm lung.

Purpose: Synchronised volume-targeted ventilation (SIPPV + VTV) attempts to reduce lung injury by standardising volume delivery to the preterm lung. The aim of this study is to describe the regional distribution and variability of ventilation within the preterm lung during SIPPV + VTV.

Methods: Twenty-seven stable, supine, preterm infants with <32 weeks gestation receiving SIPPV + VTV were studied.

Regional distribution of blood volume within the preterm infant thorax during synchronised mechanical ventilation.

Purpose: Perfusion in healthy adults is gravity-dependent. Little is known about lung perfusion in the preterm infant. The aim of this study was to describe the regional distribution of blood volume within the thorax in preterm infants receiving synchronised volume-targeted mechanical ventilation (SIPPV + TTV) and to compare this to regional distribution of tidal ventilation using electrical impedance tomography (EIT).