10.4225/03/592f92ff5e9de
JUSTIN ANTHONY ROSS LANG
JUSTIN ANTHONY ROSS
LANG
Mechanisms Regulating the Increase in Pulmonary Blood Flow at Birth
Monash University
2017
Synchrotron
Angiography
Perfusion
Aeration
Neonatal
Birth
Pulmonary
Physiology
X-ray
Physiology
Paediatrics
2017-06-01 04:07:25
Thesis
https://bridges.monash.edu/articles/thesis/Mechanisms_Regulating_the_Increase_in_Pulmonary_Blood_Flow_at_Birth/5048464
At birth, aeration of the lung stimulates a significant increase in pulmonary blood flow. Despite much research, it remains poorly understood, and a failure to properly transition into newborn life represents a significant source of neonatal morbidity and mortality. The studies in this thesis have used synchrotron X-ray imaging to examine ventilation/perfusion relationships in the lung at birth, suggesting knowledge of this process requires re-evaluation. Partial lung aeration appears to significantly increase pulmonary blood flow, regardless of local aeration or oxygenation. This is a fascinating novel discovery and has implications in delivery room management and the ventilation of newborn infants.