Effects of positive end expiratory pressure during ventilation of the preterm infant.

Twenty two babies receiving artificial ventilator support were studied on 29 occasions to determine the effects of low levels of positive end expiratory pressure. Mean positive end expiratory pressure during these studies was 2.6 cm H2O. Changes in tidal volume, minute volume, compliance, and transcutaneous gas trends produced by the use of positive end expiratory pressure were investigated. Positive end expiratory pressure consistently caused a rise in transcutaneous oxygen tension. Changes in transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension after the introduction of positive end expiratory pressure were less consistent and not of the same magnitude as the observed reduction in minute ventilation. Compliance values fell with the use of positive end expiratory pressure.