[Factors associated with atelectasis following extubation in very low weight premature newborns].

Background: Atelectasis is a decrease of lung volume caused by airway obstruction or pressure on the external part of the lung. It is common after surgery and extubation. The purpose of this investigation was to determine factors related with alectasis following extubation in preterm neonates with a weight under 1250 g who were referred to a neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods: The study was conducted in neonates admitted to a neonatal intensive care unit requiring mechanically assisted ventilation. Preterm neonates born at 28 to 36 weeks' gestation and with 0 to 28 days' extrauterine life, with mechanically assisted ventilation for at least 24 hours, and that when undergoing planned extubation had a weight under 1250 g were included. Two comparative groups were formed: group A, with alectasis after extubation; group B, without alectasis after extubation.

Results: As factors associated with alectasis after extubation, reintubation in two or more occasions and cycling higher than 20 per minute, which were statistically relevant, were identified.

Conclusions: In addition to previous general measures to prevent alectasis, extubation with ventilation not higher tan 20 cycles per minute should be programmed and reintubation should be avoided as much as possible.