[Experimental study of changes in FiO2 during manual ventilation]. / Etude expérimentale des facteurs de variation de la FiO2 lors de la ventilation manuelle.

ABSTRACT

UNLABELLED Discrepancies exist in the recommendations about the oxygen flow to deliver during manual ventilation. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of ventilatory frequency (FR), inspiratory pressure (P) and oxygen flow on the concentration of the delivered oxygen (FiO2) to obtain FiO2 near 1. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Experimental study with self-inflating resuscitation bag (Ambu with oxygen reservoir) tested on a mono-compartmental test lung (resistant tube and elastic bag [Draeger]; characteristics compliance = 0.6 mL/cmH2O; resistance = 85 cmH2O.L-1.s-1). Protocol 1 six neonatologists ventilated this model as if they were ventilating premature newborn infants with RDS at various ventilatory rates from 30 to 120 bpm and at various oxygen flows (from 2 to 12 L/min). Tidal volumes (Vt), inspiratory times (Ti), P and FiO2 were recorded continuously during the study. Protocol 2 a graduated manometer was added to visualize pressure. The same protocol was then applied. RESULTS: Protocol 1 (without visual control of the pressure) increase in oxygen flow delivered with the Ambu increases the FiO2 values (P < 0.0001); the higher the ventilatory frequency, the lower the FiO2 (P < 0.0001). The mean value of delivered FiO2 was related to the operator (extreme 47-86%) (P < 0.001). Multivariate statistical analysis showed that O2 flow, ventilator rate and operator modulated independently the FiO2. Ti and Vt did not change the FiO2. Protocol 2 (with visual control of the pressure the mean inflating pressures were less than those obtained without visual control of the pressure (26 vs 40 cmH2O respectively; P < 0.05). FiO2 was independent of O2 flow and ventilatory rate. CONCLUSIONS: A special device for continuous visual control of airway pressure is recommended during neonatal manual ventilation. It prevents ventilatory rate-induced FiO2 fluctuations and overdistention.