Am J Perinatol 2011; 28(2): 151-156
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1263298
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Unilateral Lung Intubation for Pulmonary Air Leak Syndrome in Neonates: A Case Series and a Review of the Literature

Leon J. Joseph1 , Ruben Bromiker2 , Ori Toker3 , Michael S. Schimmel2 , Shmuel Goldberg1 , Elie Picard1
  • 1Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
  • 2Department of Neonatology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
  • 3Department of Pediatrics, Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, Hebrew University School of Medicine, Jerusalem, Israel
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
11 August 2010 (online)

ABSTRACT

Air leak syndrome represents a common set of complications of ventilated premature neonates and includes pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, and pneumatocele. Unilateral intubation is an infrequently utilized treatment option. We report our experience of three cases of air leak syndrome in neonates, each treated with unilateral intubation, including two cases of recalcitrant pneumothorax. A review of the literature of similar neonatal cases is presented. In view of our experience and the review of the literature, we suggest that unilateral intubation is an efficient and relatively safe therapy in cases of neonatal air leak syndrome. It is also suggested that appropriate treatment duration should be at least 48 hours.

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Elie PicardM.D. 

Department of Pediatric Pulmonology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center

P.O. Box 3235, Jerusalem 91031, Israel

Email: picard@szmc.org.il