[Treatment of unilateral space-occupying pulmonary interstitial emphysema with positioning measures and high-frequency ventilation].

Five very low birthweight infants manifested unilateral tension pulmonary interstitial emphysema (PIE). All infants required intermittent positive pressure ventilation for respiratory distress syndrome. PIE was managed by positioning the infant on his (or her) side with PIE and by shortening the inspiratory time, in four patients also by shortening exspiratory time resulting in a higher frequency ventilation. PIE resolved within 3-6 days after institution of this treatment. This was paralleled by a reduction of FiO2 as well as peak inspiratory pressures. All infants could successfully be extubated 2-6 weeks after birth.