Ibuprofen prophylaxis seems to be efficient in closing patent ductus arteriosus and in reducing indomethacin treatment. No significant early side-effects were found due to ibuprofen.

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Background: Hypoxemic episodes in ventilated preterm infants are frequently caused by reduced ventilation due to a decrease in lung volume and acute worsening of respiratory mechanics. Objective: To compare the efficacy of conventional time-cycled, pressure-limited flow synchronized intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) and volume-targeted SIMV (VT-SIMV) in reducing the frequency and severity of these episodes. Methods: SIMV and VT-SIMV were compared in preterm infants with frequent spontaneous episodes of hypoxemia. VT-SIMV was provided with the Draeger Babylog 8000plus ventilator in volume-guarantee mode. Results: In all, 32 infants (birth weight 668 ± 126 g, gestational age 24.8 ± 1.1 weeks, age 37.5 ± 17.3 days) were studied during 2-hour periods of SIMV and VT-SIMV in random sequence. In an initial phase, a group of 12 infants was supported during VT-SIMV with a target tidal volume of 4.5 ml/kg (VT-SIMV 4.5). A planned interim analysis did not show differences in frequency and duration of hypoxemia between VT-SIMV 4.5 and SIMV, and the initial phase was stopped. In a second phase of the study, 20 infants were studied while supported with a target tidal volume of 6.0 ml/kg during VT-SIMV (VT-SIMV 6.0). In the second phase of the study, the frequency of the hypoxemic episodes did not change but the mean episode duration was shorter during VT-SIMV compared to SIMV. The proportion of mechanical breaths with small tidal volumes (≤3 ml/kg) was reduced during VT-SIMV 6.0 versus SIMV, while the peak inspiratory pressure and mean airway pressure were increased. Conclusion: VT-SIMV did not reduce the frequency of hypoxemic episodes, but VT-SIMV 6.0 was effective in reducing the duration of the hypoxemic episodes.

The presence of preterm premature rupture of membranes and the duration of ventilation are significant risk factors for developing pulmonary candidiasis and should be considered in the preventive efforts to reduce this disease in infants with a birth weight <1250 g.

A premature infant with rupture of percutaneous central catheter and subsequent migration of the fragment in the right atrium was reported. Umbilical venous catheterization was safely used to remove the fragment.

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