Conventional vs high-frequency jet ventilation in a piglet model of meconium aspiration: comparison of pulmonary and hemodynamic effects

The pulmonary and cardiovascular effects of high-frequency jet (HFJV) and conventional (CV) ventilation were evaluated in a piglet model of meconium aspiration. A mixture of 20% human meconium and 0.9% saline solution was instilled deep into the trachea of 10 piglets, after which either HFJV or CV was administered for 4 hours. Arterial blood gases, cardiac output, mean pulmonary and systemic arterial pressures, pulmonary and systemic vascular resistances, and pulmonary mechanics were compared between groups. During the 4 hours of ventilation, PaO2 and PaCO2 were not statistically different between groups. The peak inspiratory pressure necessary to maintain PaCO2 in the preset range was approximately half as much in the HFJV group as in the CV group (P less than 0.002). Mean airway pressure was lower in the HFJV group only during the second hour (P less than 0.03). Cardiac output, mean aortic and pulmonary artery pressures, systemic and pulmonary vascular resistance, dynamic lung compliance, and pulmonary resistance were not statistically different between groups. Our results suggest that HFJV may be more effective than CV in the early stages of meconium aspiration syndrome because HFJV allows more efficient ventilation and adequate oxygenation at lower peak inspiratory pressures.