Abstract
ObjectiveThere are differences in the adoption rates of less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) worldwide. We aimed to describe and analyze the process of LISA introduction at the country level.MethodsA standardized training program (33 courses covering >500 neonatologists) was followed by a cohort study. Data regarding consecutive LISA procedures were acquired over 12 months in 31 tertiary neonatal centers, using a dedicated on-line platform.ResultsOf 500 LISA procedures, 75% were performed by specialists and 25% by residents. The mean percentage share of LISA in all surfactant therapies was 24%, which represents a 6-fold increase compared to previous years. After 12 months, 76% of the procedures were rated “easy/very easy” vs 59% at baseline (p<0.05). Surfactant re-treatment rate was 15%. Twenty-three percent of infants required mechanical ventilation within 72 hours of life. Oxygen desaturation and surfactant reflux were the most frequent complications. Unlike previous reports describing exclusive use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) during LISA, majority of procedures (63%) were carried out using nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). Efficacy of LISA with NIPPV or BiPAP was not significantly different from that with nCPAP (22.4% vs 24.5% of cases requiring intubation). Ventilation was provided with nasal cannulas or nasal masks (90%) and rarely with “RAM” cannulas or nasopharyngeal tubes. Rigid catheters were preferred (88.4%); tracheal insertion was successful at first attempt in 87% of cases. Majority of infants (79%) received no premedication prior to the procedure and almost all were given caffeine citrate. Median time of instillation was 1.5 minutes.ConclusionsThe LISA procedure does not appear to be technically difficult to master. Training combining theory with practical exercises is an efficient implementation strategy. Variations in adoption rates indicate the need for additional, more personalized teachings in some centers.
Highlights
The approach to ventilatory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has evolved into a more frequent use of non-invasive modes, resulting in improved clinical outcomes and a potential reduction of hospitalization costs [1,2,3]
Of 500 less invasive techniques surfactant administration (LISA) procedures, 75% were performed by specialists and 25% by residents
Efficacy of LISA with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) was not significantly different from that with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) (22.4% vs 24.5% of cases requiring intubation)
Summary
Of 500 LISA procedures, 75% were performed by specialists and 25% by residents. The mean percentage share of LISA in all surfactant therapies was 24%, which represents a 6fold increase compared to previous years. Twenty-three percent of infants required mechanical ventilation within 72 hours of life. Unlike previous reports describing exclusive use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) during LISA, majority of procedures (63%) were carried out using nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) or Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP). Efficacy of LISA with NIPPV or BiPAP was not significantly different from that with nCPAP (22.4% vs 24.5% of cases requiring intubation). LISA adoption in clinical practice carried out by an independent contract research organization and the scientific committee had full access to the data and statistical analysis at all times. This does not alter our adherence to PLOS ONE policies on sharing data and materials
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