Postpalatoplasty Decrease in Respiratory Dead Space in Young Children

Abstract

In 20 children with cleft palates age 1.5 to 2 years, respiratory parameters were evaluated before, 15 minutes after, and 1 hour after palatoplasty. The dead space (V_D) in the palatoplasty group decreased from 25.2 ± 4.7 ml preoperatively to 12.3 ± 9.1 ml postoperatively. This decrease improved respiratory efficiency. A significant difference was found postoperatively in the partial pressure of CO₂ in arterial blood (PaCO₂) between the palatoplasty and control groups. No significant differences were found in base excess (BE), arterial pH, pulmonary shunt ratio, and the alveolar-arterial O₂ difference (A-aDO₂) between the groups pre- and postoperatively. This finding indicated that temporary respiratory failure may exist postoperatively; the phenomena were improved in the recovery room. Since lung compliance and airway resistance may also participate in the decrease in V_D, further evaluation of these factors are necessary.