Evaluation of two endotracheal suction regimes in babies ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome.

All low birthweight babies ventilated for the respiratory distress syndrome during a period of fourteen months were randomised to receive endotracheal suction 12-hourly or 6-hourly. There were no significant differences in respiratory outcome between the groups. These observations suggest that it is safe to aspirate endotracheal tubes infrequently during the first few days in uncomplicated respiratory distress syndrome.