What is the maximum recommended pressure for bag-mask ventilation in newborns?

The maximum recommended pressure for bag-mask ventilation in newborns is 15-20 cm H2O. This range is established to ensure effective ventilation while minimizing the risk of injury to the delicate lung tissue of neonates. Newborns have a much smaller lung volume compared to adults, and excessive pressure can lead to complications such as barotrauma, which is damage to the lung tissue caused by overdistension.

Using pressures within the 15-20 cm H2O range is effective in achieving adequate ventilation and oxygenation without imposing the risks associated with higher pressures. It is crucial for healthcare providers to monitor the pressure used during bag-mask ventilation to ensure that it remains within this recommended limit to promote safe and effective breathing support for newborns.