Sustained versus standard inflations during neonatal resuscitation to prevent mortality and improve respiratory outcomes.
At birth, infants' lungs are fluid-filled; this fluid must be replaced by air to allow for effective breathing. Some infants are judged to have inadequate breathing at birth and are resuscitated with positive pressure ventilation (PPV). Giving prolonged (sustained) inflations at the start of PPV may help clear lung fluid and establish gas volume in the lungs.