[Pneumoperitoneum in a premature, non-ventilated neonate with respiratory distress syndrome leading to respiratory failure. What is the etiology?].

The authors describe the finding of extensive tensive pneumoperitoneum which developed during distension therapy (CNP) in an immature neonate. The absence of another extraalveolar cumulation of air made the authors use PO2 analysis in the peritoneal air by means of a transcutaneous electrode. Because the PO2 rose after connection of the electrode to the catheter draining the abdominal cavity, the authors assumed a respiratory aetiology of the pneumoperitoneum and did not consider laparatomy. They assume that the above test may be valuable in the differential diagnosis between respiratory and gastrointestinal pneumoperitoneum in those instances where it is not possible to assess the aetiology of pneumoperitoneum unequivocally.