Intermittent bag ventilation of preterm infants on continuous positive airway pressure: The effect on transcutaneous PO2.

Preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome requiring continuous positive airway pressure are frequently assisted with intermittent bag ventilation. We assessed the effect of intermittent bag ventilation on PO2 in these infants by continuous monitoring with a transcutaneous oxygen electrode. The behavior of the infants during bagging determined the effect on PO2. Bag ventilation decreased PO2 significantly (P less than 0.01) in infants who were restless during bagging, whereas a significant increase in PO2 (P less than 0.02) was observed in infants who were quiet while being bagged. Although the duration of the increase in PO2 was variable, a sustained rise (greater than 20 minute) occurred in almost half of the infants studied. Intermittent bag ventilation appears to be beneficial in infants who remain quiet during the bagging period.