Expectant management of pneumothorax in preterm infants receiving assisted ventilation: report of 4 cases and review of the literature

Abstract

Pneumothorax is a common complication in infants receiving assisted ventilation. The appropriate management of this condition is not always clearly defined, especially when a large air leak and mediastinal shift are present but the infant is hemodynamically stable. Despite the complications associated with chest tube placement, this remains the most common approach in such cases. We report 4 cases of preterm infants who developed large pneumothoraces with mediastinal shift while on assisted ventilation and were managed conservatively, with substantial improvement within 12-96 hours. In this report we also review the literature on pneumothorax in preterm infants.