Air versus ground transportation of artificially ventilated neonates: comparative differences in selected cardiopulmonary parameters.

Objective: To assess if cardiopulmonary interventions and abnormal CO2 tension are more likely in intubated neonates transported by air versus ground.

Methods: We reviewed the transport records of all ventilated neonates retrieved to a pediatric teaching hospital in the United States within a 12-month period. Demographic data, underlying diagnosis, pretransport and posttransport ventilation settings and blood gas data, and transport data were recorded.

Hyperventilation at referring hospitals is common before transport in intubated children with neurological diseases.

Objective: To assess if cardiopulmonary complications and abnormal carbon dioxide tension are more likely in intubated children with neurological diseases undergoing transport.

Methods: We reviewed the transport records of all ventilated children retrieved to a pediatric teaching hospital in the United States within a 12-month period.

Results: Twenty-seven children were transported by ground (n = 11), helicopter (n = 10), and fixed-wing aircraft (n = 6).