LIFE-THREATENING INADVERTENT POSITIVE END-EXPIRATORY PRESSURE

Inadvertent positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) is a potential cau se of lung overdistension and impaired gas exchange in ventilated infa nts. It can be extremely difficult to diagnose clinically and if unrec ognized can be life-threatening. Measurement of long function can lead to the recognition of inadvertent PEEP, allowing appropriate ventilat or adjustment with immediate substantial improvement in clinical state . Lung function measurements can help to optimize ventilation and may improve clinical outcome.