Synchronous Respiration: Which Ventilator Rate Is Best?

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Abstract
Twenty‐four infants were ventilated through a series of rates (30, 60 and 120/min), to determine which rate was most successful in provoking synchronous respiration. Their spontaneous respiratory rate was also documented during a temporary disconnection from the ventilator: respiratory rate and gestational age were significantly correlated (r=–0.85). Seventeen infants showed synchronous respiration at a ventilator rate of 120/min and 4 at 60/min. Of the remaining 3 infants, 2 only showed synchrony if ventilated at their own spontaneous respiratory frequency (between 60–75/min) and 1 infant was asynchronous at all rates including her own spontaneous respiratory frequency. The 17 infants synchronous at a ventilator rate of 120/min were significantly less mature (pp<0.01) than the 6 infants synchronous at ventilator rates of 60–75/min.