Respiratory support for premature neonates in the delivery room: effects on cardiovascular function and the development of brain injury

The transition to newborn life in preterm infants is complicated by immature cardiovascular and respiratory systems. Consequently, preterm infants often require respiratory support immediately after birth. Although aeration of the lung underpins the circulatory transition at birth, positive pressure ventilation can adversely affect cardio-respiratory function during this vulnerable period, reducing pulmonary blood flow and left ventricular output. Further, pulmonary volutrauma is known to initiate pulmonary inflammatory responses, resulting in remote systemic involvement.Pediatric Research (2014); doi:10.1038/pr.2014.40.