Venovenous versus venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in congenital diaphragmatic hernia.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has a significant role as a final rescue modality in severe respiratory failure of the newborn with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH). The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of venovenous (VV) versus venoarterial (VA) ECMO in newborns with CDH.

Methods: A retrospective report of 11 years experience (1990 through 2001) of a single center, comparing VV and VA ECMO is given.

A randomized trial of moderately early low-dose dexamethasone therapy in very low birth weight infants: dynamic pulmonary mechanics, oxygenation, and ventilation.

Objective: Dexamethasone is used in very low birth weight (VLBW) ventilator-dependent infants to prevent or decrease the severity of chronic lung disease. We reported a significant increase in respiratory compliance during a 7-day weaning course of moderately early dexamethasone therapy (0.5 mg/kg/d) in VLBW infants, along with a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation and O2 supplementation.