Decrease of Functional Residual Capacity and Ventilation Homogeneity after Neuromuscular Blockade in Anesthetized Young Infants and Preschool Children

Abstract

Although the use of neuromuscular blockade decreased FRC and ventilation distribution substantially in both groups, the changes were more pronounced in young infants. With PEEP, FRC increased and ventilation homogeneity was restored. These results provide a rationale to use PEEP in anesthetized, paralyzed infants and children.