VENTILATORY MANAGEMENT IN NEONATES - SCIENCE OR ART

Conventional mechanical ventilation continues to be the standard mode of support for neonates with respiratory failure. Controversies regard ing the selection of optimal ventilatory strategies still abound. A de ep understanding of physiologic concepts as well as a critical apprais al of the literature is needed to optimize the ventilatory management of the newborn. Principles of gas exchange, pulmonary mechanics and co ntrol of breathing are reviewed in the context of their relevance duri ng mechanical ventilation. The application of these concepts to the ve ntilatory strategies for the management of infants with respiratory di stress is presented, and current controversies are emphasized.