New approach to management of unilateral tension pulmonary interstitial emphysema in premature infants.

Conservative management of unilateral tension pulmonary interstitial emphysema is reported. Treatment consisted of (1) positioning the infant on his or her side with the emphysematous lung dependent, (2) minimal chest physiotherapy and endotracheal suctioning, and (3) appropriate ventilator management. Conservative therapy is effective and appears to be safer than selective bronchial intubation or surgical therapy.