Effect of humidified high flow nasal cannula on severe apnea in preterm infants

Abstract

Objective To investigate the effect of humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) on severe apnea in preterm infants. Methods Eighty-two preterm infants who developed apnea more than twice in short time, recurred within 6 hours or needed mask respirator were divided into HHFNC group (n=40) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) group (n=42). Both groups were given aminophylline intravenously. The total therapeutic effect rate, the number of cases who needed mechanical ventilation during the observation period, the duration of non-invasive ventilation, the duration of oxygen therapy, the oxygen exchange indexes and the complications of two groups were observed. Results There were no significant differences between two groups in the therapeutic effect rate, the number of cases who need invasive ventilation, the duration of non-invasive ventilation time, oxygen exchange indexes and the duration of oxygen usage (P>0.05). The numbers of nose injury of HHFNC group were less than those of the NCPAP group[10.0% (4/40) vs.30.9% (13/42)] (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between two groups in the complication of necrotizing enterocolitis or feeding intolerance, respiratory infection, retinopathy of prematurity, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (P<0.05). Conclusion HHFNC has the same effect as NCPAP in the treatment of severe apnea in preterm infants except for lower prevalence of nose injury. Key words: Humidified high flow nasal cannula; Severe apnea; Continuous positive airway pressure; Preterm infants