LXXXIX The Idiopathic Respiratory Distress Syndrome in the Newborn

Abstract

Twenty-two infants with idiopathic respiratory distress syndrome [I.R.D.S.] were treated by intubation and tracheotomy and mechanical intermittent positive pressure respiration. Seven patients survived, were extubated uneventfully and are apparently normal. The patients most likely to survive on this regimen are those who do not require assisted ventilation in the first 24 hours of life, who are ventilated promptly when decompensation occurs, and who are 1800 gm or more in weight at birth. The foregoing treatment requires constant expert care with special equipment and it must be emphasized that the problem is almost impossible to deal with otherwise. It has been demonstrated quite clearly that premature infants may be tracheotomized and extubated uneventfully after the primary disease has resolved. This is a small series but nonetheless has been gratifying since apparently 7 healthy infants, who otherwise probably would have died, are alive and well today.