Assessment of lung volume and alveolar pressure during combined high-frequency jet ventilation in a child with adult respiratory distress syndrome

Lung volume and alveolar pressure were assessed using inductance plethysmography, airway occlusion and pneumotachography in a child with severe adult respiratory distress syndrome during both conventional mechanical and combined high-frequency ventilation (HFJV). The results suggest that improved oxygenation during combined HFJV is associated with higher end-expiratory lung volume and lower peak and mean lung volume and alveolar pressure.This work was presented in part at the 5th International Symposium on Pediatric, Surgical and Neonatal Intensive Care, Madrid, Spain 8–11 November 1991