Resolution of pneumothorax in neonates.

The resolution time of pneumothorax in neonates requiring tube thoracotomy is not known. We found that 28%, 50%, and 83% of 54 pneumothoraces in 40 neonates resolved within 24, 96, and 168 h of tube thoracotomy, respectively. Pneumothoraces that persisted beyond 168 h were in infants requiring ventilatory assistance. Moreover, a significantly (p less than .05) greater number of preterm infants with persistent pneumothorax developed chronic lung disease compared to preterm infants in whom pneumothorax resolved by 168 h.