Figure 4.

Acid sphingomyelinase (ASM) and albumin tracheal aspirates (TA) concentrations in infants treated with high PCO₂ target levels compared to control target levels. Serial TA samples were obtained from PD2 to PD21. Data are displayed as the mean of TA levels and SD on a logarithmic scale. (A) ASM: number (n) of analyzed TA for each postnatal day and group (high PCO₂ target group/control target group): PD2 n = 27/25, PD4 n = 24/28, PD7 n = 17/17, PD14 n = 11/15, PD21 n = 11/11. ASM TA levels were not affected in the high PCO₂ target group from PD2 to PD21, but increased with advancing postnatal age in both groups (^#p < 0.05). (B) Albumin: number (n) of analyzed TA for each postnatal day and group (high PCO₂ target group/control target group): PD2 n = 27/25, PD4 n = 24/28, PD7 n = 17/17, PD14 n = 11/15, PD21 n = 11/11. Albumin TA levels were not affected by the target group or postnatal age. PD, postnatal day.