[Results of high frequency ventilation in the very low birth weight premature infant]. / Résultats de la ventilation par oscillation à haute fréquence chez le prématuré de très faible poids à la naissance.

ABSTRACT

High frequency ventilation (HFV) has been used by the authors for about 5 years in low-weight premature neonates with severe hyaline membrane disease. This retrospective study concerns principally three classes of results: 1) early results of HFV vs conventional ventilation; 2) middle term results, HFV having been used in most severe cases; 3) long term outcome: HFV might prevent efficiently delayed complications such as bronchotracheal dysplasia. Recent therapy developments (surfactant, new ventilators) require controlled prospective studies to assess the real benefits of HFV compared with conventional methods.