LIQUID VENTILATION IN ADULTS, CHILDREN, AND FULL-TERM NEONATES

We evaluated the safety and efficacy of partial liquid ventilation in a series of 19 adults, children, and neonates who were in respiratory failure and on extracorporeal life support. During partial liquid vent ilation, the alveolar-arterial oxygen difference decreased from 590 (S E 25) to 471 (42) mm Hg (p=0 . 0002) and static pulmonary compliance i ncreased from 0 . 18 (0 . 04) to 0 . 29 (0 . 04) mL cm H2O-1 kg(-1) (p =0 . 0002). 11 patients (58%) survived. These preliminary data suggest that partial liquid ventilation can be safely used in patients with s evere respiratory failure and may improve lung function.