Aim-To assess the eVect of nasal continuous positive airways pressure (CPAP) on the dimensions of the laryngeal opening. Methods-Nine preterm infants who had previously received ventilatory support for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) were studied. All were receiving nasal CPAP. The laryngeal opening was visualised using a fibre optic video camera system. The ratio of width to length of the opening was measured on and oV CPAP. Results-In eight of the infants the width: length ratio increased on CPAP; mean change for group +24.4% (95% CI +11.9 to +37.9). Conclusions-Nasal CPAP seems to dilate the larynx. This may explain the selective beneficial eVects of CPAP on mixed and obstructive apnoea. (Arch Dis Child Fetal Neonatal Ed 1999;80:F230-F232)
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