Abstract
Little information is available relating to the first breath. Previous reports have provided evidence that at birth the “typical” infant will generate a negative pressure of approximately 30 cmH2O, and inspire 40 ml. of air; 17 ml. of this will form a functional residual capacity (F.R.C.) after a sustained positive pressure has been created in expiration. Using a mask/pneumotachograph/differential pressure transducer and a dual micropressure transducer, we have been able to obtain simultaneous data on volume achieved, intrathoracic pressure and intra-abdominal pressure changes during the first breath. From data in 16 babies in which the position of pressure recordings could be confirmed, we have found: 1. Volume changes in line with previous reports. 2. Larger pressure changes (p <.05) than in previous studies. 3. A positive and significant correlation between both inspiratory volume and the duration of inspiratory pressure with the volume of the F.R.C.
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Field, D., Milner, A. & Hopkin, I. MAJOR DETERMINANTS OF THE FIRST BREATH. Pediatr Res 19, 1092 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00139
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198510000-00139