Weaning preterm infants from mechanical ventilation.

Mechanical ventilatory support is required by a large number of neonates in respiratory failure. However, its use in preterm infants is frequently associated with acute complications and long-term respiratory sequelae. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or limit the exposure to ventilatory support. This is a review of existing practices and novel strategies to achieve weaning of ventilatory support in this population. (c) 2008 S. Karger AG, Basel.