Abstract
Background
To determine normative data by forced oscillation technique (FOT) in non-sedated normal term neonates and test the hypothesis that infants with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) have higher resistance (R) and lower reactance (X) on day 1.
Methods
Healthy term infants (n = 138) and infants with TTN (n = 17) were evaluated on postnatal days 1 through 3 (NCT03346343). FOT was measured with a mask using a TremoFlo C-100 Airwave System™. R, X, and area under the reactance curve (AX) were measured at prime frequencies 7–41 Hz for 8 s.
Results
In all, 86% of control infants had adequate measurements (coherence >0.8, CV < 0.25) on day 1. Infants with TTN had higher resistance at 13 Hz (TTN 32.5 cm H2O·s/L [95% CI 25.5–39.4]; controls 23.8 cm H2O·s/L [95% CI 22.2 to 25.3], P = 0.007) and lower reactance from 17 to 37 Hz (TTN −35.1 to −10.5; controls −26.3 to −6.1, P < 0.05). In healthy controls, lung mechanics were unchanged from days 1 to 3. In TTN, lung mechanics normalized on days 2 and 3.
Conclusions
FOT is feasible in neonates and distinguishes normal control infants from those with TTN on postnatal day 1. Oscillometry offers a non-invasive, longitudinal technique to assess lung mechanics in newborns.
