High frequency oscillatory ventilation was not more effective than conventional ventilation in preterm infants

Intervention After stratification for gestational age and centre, infants were allocated to HFOV (n=400) or CV (n=397) within 1 hour of birth. HFOV was given by 1 of 3 high frequency oscillator models. Ventilation began at a mean airway pressure of 6–8 cm of water and a frequency of 10 Hz; the amplitude was increased until the infant’s chest was seen to be “bouncing”. CV was given by a time cycled, pressure limited ventilator, starting at a rate of 60 breaths per minute and an inspiratory time of 0.4 seconds. Settings were subsequently adjusted to maintain a partial pressure of oxygen of 49–75 mm Hg and a partial pressure of carbon dioxide of 34–53 mm Hg.