PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Talitha Comaru
AU  - Humberto Holmer Fiori
AU  - Renato Machado Fiori
AU  - Priscila Padoim
AU  - Jaqueline Basso Stivanin
AU  - Vinicius Duval da Silva
TI  - Experimental Model of Atelectasis in Newborn Piglets
AID  - 10.4187/respcare.02352
DP  - 2014 Jan 01
TA  - Respiratory Care
PG  - 121--126
VI  - 59
IP  - 1
4099  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/59/1/121.short
4100  - http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/59/1/121.full
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few studies using animal models in chest physical therapy. However, there are no models to assess these effects in newborns. This study aimed to develop a model of obstructive atelectasis induced by artificial mucus injection in the lungs of newborn piglets, for the study of neonatal physiotherapy. METHODS: Thirteen newborn piglets received artificial mucus injection via the endotracheal tube. X-rays and blood gas analysis confirmed the atelectasis. RESULTS: The model showed consistent results between oxygenation parameters and radiological findings. Ten (76.9%) of the 13 piglets responded to the intervention. This did not significantly differ from the expected percentage of 50% by the binomial test (95% CI 46.2–95%, P = .09). CONCLUSIONS: Our model of atelectasis in newborn piglets is both feasible and appropriate to evaluate the impact of physical therapies on atelectasis in newborns.