Acta paediatrica Japonica; Overseas edition
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Case Reports
Pneumomediastinum in newborns induced by the Elder CPR/demand valve during resuscitation.
Two term and one post-term newborn infants with pneumomediastinum associated with the use of an Elder CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)/demand valve during resuscitation are described. Because of apnea or irregular gasping respiration after vaginal delivery, they received repetitive positive-pressure ventilation with this resuscitator, which is designed to provide 100% oxygen with a limited pressure of up to 40 cmH2O. ⋯ They required 25-30% oxygen for 3-14 days until they recovered spontaneously. Thus, pressures as low as 40 cmH2O can cause barotrauma, and the Elder resuscitator, even when functioning properly, may injure the lungs of newborn infants.