The diuretic phase of respiratory distress syndrome and its relationship to oxygenation.

To determine the relationship between improvement in pulmonary function and diuresis in respiratory distress syndrome, ten consecutive premature infants requiring mechanical ventilation for severe RDS were studied. Every infant had a diuresis (output/intake greater than 80%), which began at 26 to 34 hours of life and which lasted for an additional 64-72 hours. The diuresis preceded significant improvement in AaDo2 and ventilator settings (IMV, PIP, PEEP) by 52 hours. There was a significant decrease in body weight among all study infants during the first four days of life despite an increase in fluid intake. This study suggests a relationship in RDS between improvement in oxygenation and removal of interstitial lung edema.