Abstract
Early pulmonary interstitial emphysema in extreme preterm neonates is closely linked
with respiratory distress syndrome and exposure to mechanical ventilation. In severe
cases, maintaining adequate gas exchange aiming to avoid further lung damage and other
neonatal morbidities associated with systemic/pulmonary hypoperfusion, prolonged hypoxia,
and respiratory acidosis can be challenging and requires in-depth knowledge into the
pathophysiology of the disease. Herein, we report on very low birth weight twins who
developed early pulmonary interstitial emphysema during noninvasive respiratory support.
We further review the current evidence from the literature, specifically addressing
on possible preventive measures and the respiratory management options of this acute
pulmonary disease in high-risk neonates.
Keywords
pulmonary interstitial emphysema - very-low-birth-weight infants - noninvasive ventilation
- surfactant - antenatal steroids