[The "guaranteed volume" in pressure support ventilation reduces the risk of barotrauma in premature children with severe respiratory syndrome].

Chronic Lung Disease (CLD) remains a major complication of prematurity, and barovolutrauma is thought to be one of the most important predisposing factors. In view of reducing the damage due to variability of tidal volume (Vt), we studied the application of the new option of volume guarantee (VG). We analyzed ventilatory data of 25 preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in two situations: pressure support ventilation (PSV) + VG vs PSV alone. Data collected showed application of significantly lower peak inspiratory pressure (p < 0.001) and mean airway pressure (p < 0.001) with the constant Vt. We conclude that this ventilatory strategy, by reducing the barotrauma, could be considered a protective ventilation.