Systemic inflammation associated with mechanical ventilation among extremely preterm infants

► In adults and term infants, ventilation can lead to systemic inflammation. ► Systemic inflammation is associated with short-term ventilation in preterm infants. ► We examined systemic inflammation and duration of ventilation in preterm infants. ► Inflammation was more evident in infants ventilated for 2 weeks than for <1 week. ► Longer duration of ventilation may promote systemic inflammation in preterm infants.