Care of the ventilated infant

Babies requiring ventilatory support require diligent medical and nursing care with an aim towards optimising mechanical ventilation as well as limiting ventilator induced lung injury, prevention of side effects and early diagnosis of potential complications which could affect the clinical outcome. There are novel ways of assessing the ventilation, including continuous monitoring techniques, but clinical assessment and some simple bedside observations remain equally important. The role of adjunctive therapies in the management of ventilated infants is also important, as is nutritional management which has contributed towards improving the care of ventilated infants through reduction in the duration of respiratory support and complications. This article addresses some of the issues surrounding the care of the ventilated infant.