[Necrotizing tracheobronchitis in ventilated newborn infants].

Background: Necrotizing tracheobronchitis is a severe complication observed in some mechanically ventilated neonates.

Case Report: A twin premature (GA = 31 weeks), weighing 1,500 g required oral endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation because he suffered from respiratory distress syndrome. He was given indomethacin on day 4 for patent ductus arteriosus. Progressive weaning of ventilation on day 9 was dramatically complicated by hypoxia, respiratory acidosis and right pneumothorax. Immediate endoscopy showed total obstruction of trachea by necrotic secretions the suction of which was followed by rapid improvement of the respiratory condition. Bacterial examination of secretions showed coagulase-negative staphylococcus. The patient was given steroids + antibiotics. Prolonged ventilation resulted in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the patient was only extubated at week 12 after a normal endoscopic control.

Case Report: A premature girl (GA = 32 weeks), weighing 1,800 g required oral endotracheal intubation for mechanical ventilation because she suffered from respiratory distress syndrome. The respiratory condition worsened on day 3, requiring tracheography which showed distal tracheal obstruction. Immediate endoscopy showed thin, adherent and necrotic membranes which were removed by suction. The patient was given steroids +antibiotics and was extubated on day 14 after a normal endoscopic control.

Conclusions: This iatrogeneous complication must be recognized in a ventilated infant when the respiratory condition dramatically worsens. Emergency bronchoscopy permits endotracheal suction of necrotic secretions.