• Jan Klimek, Colin John Morley, Rosalind Lau, and Peter Graham Davis.
• NICU, Nepean Hospital, New South Wales, Australia. Klimekj@wahs.nsw.gov.au
• J Paediatr Child Health. 2006 Mar 1; 42 (3): 140-2.

AimsTo determine whether using a respiratory function monitor alters clinicians' choice of ventilator settings, tidal volumes or blood gases in the first 48 h of ventilation.MethodsClinicians were trained to use a respiratory function monitor to optimize neonatal ventilation. Thirty-five infants, weighing < 2 kg, treated with the Infant Star ventilator were randomized to have a respiratory function monitor display visible or concealed. All reasons for altering ventilator settings were noted. Data on ventilator parameters and clinical care were collected hourly. The primary outcome was the mean peak pressure used during the first 48 h.ResultsThere were no statistically significant differences in peak pressures, tidal volumes or arterial carbon dioxide levels between the two groups.ConclusionsUsing the Florian respiratory function monitor in the first 48 h of ventilation with the Infant Star ventilator did not alter the choice of ventilator settings, tidal or minute volumes or arterial blood gases. Possible explanations for this result include lack of power due to the small numbers recruited and bias due to the unblinded nature of the trial.

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