The relationship between arterial blood gases and removal of airway secretions in neonates

Abstract

This study investigated the relationships between secretion removal and arterial blood gases in 10 pre-term infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The infants were studied in the period immediately following cessation of mechanical ventilation. Secretions were collected at each of six post-extubation physiotherapy treatments and the amount of secretions determined by weight. Arterial blood gases were measured continuously using transcutaneous monitors (TCM) and recorded digitally by a computer. Hour-long periods of TCM data which preceded or followed physiotherapy treatments were analysed with respect to the amount of secretions collected at the adjacent treatment. Lower mean oxygen levels and more frequent hypoxaemic episodes were present prior to treatments in which larger amounts of secretions were obtained. There was also a tendency towards improved oxygenation and fewer hypoxaemic episodes following such treatments. Therefore, these results provide support for the continued use of respiratory physiotherapy in the management of infants with respiratory conditions.