Neuropsychomotor changes in premature infants treated in a long period of mechanical ventilation

Abstract

Introduction: Extremely premature infant usually requires neonatal intensive work such as invasive mechanical ventilation associated with endotracheal aspiration, method which can cause neurological deficits. Objective: It was done a literature review on the possible neurological consequences that arise with the treatment in neonatal intensive care unit in premature infants with very low weight. Method: Studies were analyzed in the period of 1994 to 2010, using the bases BIREME, SCIELO, Lilacs, Pubmed, Science Direct. Results: It was observed that the neurological disorders are mostly associated with metabolic abnormalities, such as oxygen deficit. The joint analysis of data reflected in the respiratory therapy can be either beneficial or harmful, and to minimize or eliminate the harm, it must be applied by a qualified specialist in the neonatal area, to choose techniques when it is necessary. It was verified an association between the use of mechanical ventilation and psychomotor deficits in infants at high risk for the motor development.