[Lung maturation during artificial placentation and mechanical lung distension].

An new method of lung maturation during artificial placentation was evaluated during a series of 15 animal experiments in premature lambs (gestational age 125-132 days). Perfusion circuit with interposition of a membrane lung was connected with the umbilical vessels. Extracorporeal CO2-removal (ECCO2-R) and apneic oxygenation were provided during lung distension. The ultramicroscopic pattern approved a maturation of the lung during the procedure showing development of lamellar bodies and surfactant secretion into the alveolar space. The biochemical analysis of the tracheal fluid showed a significant increase of both PC and PG concentrations (3.225 +/- 1.112 mg/100g to 24.228 +/- 3.36 mg/100 g respectively 0.249 +/- 0.11 mg/100 g of 0.622 +/- 0.09 mg/100 g. The biophysical function of the lung was also improved as was shown by a significant increase of the statistical compliance. We conclude that artificial placentation and lung distension might be a new mode of prophylaxis for respiratory distress syndrome in critically immature babies.