The influence of impression coping splinting on the accuracy of the open-tray technique.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of splinting of the impression copings on the accuracy of the cast when the open-tray technique is used. An epoxy master cast with 3 implants was fabricated. The first 2 implants were parallel to each other and perpendicular to the horizontal plane (implants A and B), and the third implant (implant C) had a 25-degree inclination.

Assessment of neonatal diaphragm function using magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves.

A nonvolitional test to assess diaphragm strength in neonates has not been previously described. Our aim was to assess the feasibility of cervical (CMS) and anterior (AMS) magnetic stimulation of the phrenic nerves in neonates. Double circular stimulating coils (90-mm) were used.

Comparison of body surface and airway triggered ventilation in extremely premature infants.

Failure of patient triggered ventilation in very premature infants may reflect the use of inappropriate triggering systems. We have therefore compared the performance of an airway and a body surface trigger in 12 infants of median gestational age 26 weeks (range 24-27). Airway flow and oesophageal and ventilator pressure changes were recorded during two periods of patient triggered ventilation.

Changes in lung volume, compliance and oxygenation in the first 48 hours of life in infants given surfactant.

Changes in lung volume (functional residual capacity) compliance and oxygenation in the first 48 h of life in infants given surfactant replacement therapy were studied. Fourteen infants, median gestational age 30 weeks (range 26-35), who were given two doses of an artificial surfactant (Exosurf) at approximately 2 h of age and 12 h later, were examined. Compared to baseline, functional residual capacity, compliance of the respiratory system and oxygenation, significantly improved at 24 and 48 hours, but specific compliance (compliance/functional residual capacity) decreased.

Inhaled versus systemic steroids in chronic oxygen dependency of preterm infants.

Unlabelled: The speed of action and side-effects of systemic verus inhaled steroids was compared in infants with mild-moderate oxygen dependency. Forty infants (median gestational age 27 weeks) were randomized to receive either 10 days of dexamethasone (systemic group) or budesonide (100 micrograms qds) (inhaled group). At randomization, there was no significant difference in the gestational or postnatal age, inspired oxygen requirements or compliance of the respiratory system of the two groups.