Work of breathing using high-flow nasal cannula in preterm infants

Abstract

To compare the work of breathing (WOB) in premature neonates supported with high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). Eighteen preterm neonates <2.0 kg on HFNC or NCPAP support were studied in a random order. A ventilator was used to deliver 6 cm H2O of NCPAP with nasal prongs. High-flow nasal cannula delivered with Vapotherm (VAPO) at 3, 4 and 5 l/min was used. Tidal ventilation was obtained using respiratory inductance plethysmography calibrated with face-mask pneumotachography. An esophageal balloon estimated pleural pressure from which changes in end distending pressure were calculated. Inspiratory, elastic and resistive WOB and respiratory parameters were calculated. No differences were found in the WOB for all settings. Changes in end distending pressure did not vary significantly over all device settings except VAPO at 5 l/min. In these preterm infants with mild respiratory illness, HFNC provided support comparable to NCPAP.