The Principles of Ventilation Management in Neonates

In this book, authers describe the methodology and rationale for providing all types of ventilatory care to sick newborns. They have simplified some very complex concepts in order to help the bedside caregiver understand and properly use the equipment that is lifesaving to a baby in respiratory failure.However, not all neonatal intensive care units are created equal: some units may have limitations of devices, personnel and especially monitoring equipment due to costs or availability. As more sick and especially premature newborns are given the opportunity to be helped by neonatal intensive care, we have seen a worldwide increase in retinopathy of prematurity, chronic lung disease and developmental disability among the survivors. This may be due in large part to more babies surviving, but certainly inadequate knowledge and the limitation of resources such as blood gas machines, pulse oximeters and trained bedside personnel are among the many reasons for these undesirable outcomes. It is hoped that this text will be a step towards improving outcomes as a source of knowledge for the devoted group of providers who care for these sick newborn babies.