Abstract
ObjectiveTo evaluate whether noninvasive-neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) decrease respiratory efforts compared to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) during the first hours of life. MethodsTwenty infants born between 28+0 and 31+6 weeks were randomized to NIV-NAVA or NCPAP. Positive end-expiratory pressure was constantly kept at 6 cmH2O for both groups and the NAVA level was 1.0 cmH2O/µV for NIV-NAVA group. The electrical activity of diaphragm (Edi) were recorded for the first two hours. ResultsPeak and minimum Edi decreased similarly in both groups (P = 0.98 and P = 0.59, respectively). Leakages were higher in the NIV-NAVA group than in the NCPAP group (P < 0.001). The neural apnea defined as a flat Edi for ≥ 5 s were less frequent in NIV-NAVA group than in NCPAP group (P = 0.046). ConclusionsImmediately applied NIV-NAVA in premature infants did not reduce breathing effort, measured as peak Edi. However, NIV-NAVA decreased neural apneic episodes compared to NCPAP.
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