Ventilator settings for newborn infants.

The selection of appropriate mechanical ventilator settings for newborn infants is a controversial topic. The purpose of this review is to summarise the origins of the controversy and then to concentrate on the interaction between ventilator variables and the pathophysiology of the lung. As lung mechanics differ widely in different diseases we argue that careful consideration must be given to the mechanical properties of the lung when deciding on a suitable ventilator regimen for a particular infant.