Neonatal Air Leaks: Pneumothorax, Pneumomediastinum, Pulmonary Interstitial Emphysema, Pneumopericardium

Abstract

NEONATAL AIR LEAKS INCLUDE a spectrum of conditions—pneumothorax, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and (rarely) pneumoperitoneum. Pneumothorax is the most common of these conditions; it occurs spontaneously in 1 to 2 percent of term neonates without pulmonary disease.1 The rate of occurrence increases in ventilated neonates, where it ranges from 20 to 30 percent. 2,3 With the increased use of surfactant, less barotrauma and a lower rate of air leaks (9 to 15 percent) have been reported among low birth weight neonates requiring mechanical ventilation.4 Pneumothorax represents the most commonly occurring air leak.