Mode Of Non-invasive Respiratory Support Research Articles

Use of heated humidified high flow nasal cannula for obstructive sleep apnea in infants

ObjectiveHeated humidified high flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) has gained popularity in the treatment of children with respiratory distress and bronchiolitis in the past decade. Its efficacy as a mode of non-invasive respiratory support has been demonstrated in both adults and children. However, reports on its use in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in infants are limited. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of HHHFNC therapy as treatment in infants with OSA. MethodsA retrospective analysis of OSA infants who had undergone polysomnographic titration between 2015 and 2017 was undertaken. Data about the age, gender, AHI, co-morbid conditions and flow used for each patient were retrieved. ResultsTen infants were included in this study (median age 34 weeks; IQR 27–38 weeks). The median optimal HHHFNC flow rate was 8.0 L/min (IQR 6.7–8.0 L/min). HHHFNC significantly reduced median obstructive apnea–hypopnea index (OAHI) from 9.1 (IQR 5.1–19.3) to 0.9 (IQR 0–1.6; P = 0.005) events/h; median obstructive apnea index (OAI) from 5.8 (IQR 1.1–13.4) to 0 (IQR 0–0.9; P = 0.021) events/h; median obstructive hypopnea index (OHI) from 4.1 (IQR 0.9–6.8) to 0.1 (0–0.9; P = 0.017) events/h; and median oxygen saturation (SpO2) nadir increased from 88% (IQR 83–94%) to 94% (IQR 93–96%; P = 0.040). ConclusionHHHFNC significantly reduced respiratory events and improved oxygenation in infants with OSA.

FIRST-line support for assistance in breathing in children (FIRST-ABC): a master protocol of two randomised trials to evaluate the non-inferiority of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for non-invasive respiratory support in paediatric critical care

IntroductionEven though respiratory support is a common intervention in paediatric critical care, there is no randomised controlled trial (RCT) evidence regarding the effectiveness of two commonly used modes of non-invasive...

Diaphragm-triggered non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants.

Diaphragm-triggered non-invasive respiratory support, commonly referred to as NIV-NAVA (non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist), uses the electrical activity of the crural diaphragm to trigger the start and end of a breath. It provides variable inspiratory pressure that is proportional to an infant's changing inspiratory effort. NIV-NAVA has the potential to provide effective, non-invasive, synchronised, multilevel support and may reduce the need for invasive ventilation; however, its effects on short- and long-term outcomes, especially in the preterm infant, are unclear. To assess the effectiveness and safety of diaphragm-triggered non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants (< 37 weeks' gestation) when compared to other non-invasive modes of respiratory support (nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV); nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP); high-flow nasal cannulae (HFNC)), and to assess preterm infants with birth weight less than 1000 grams or less than 28 weeks' corrected gestation at the time of intervention as a sub-group. We used the standard search strategy of Cochrane Neonatal to search the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL 2019, Issue 5), MEDLINE via PubMed (1946 to 10 May 2019), Embase (1947 to 10 May 2019), and CINAHL (1982 to 10 May 2019). We also searched clinical trials databases, conference proceedings, and the reference lists of retrieved articles for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-randomised trials. Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared diaphragm-triggered non-invasive versus other non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants. Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted data from included studies. We performed fixed-effect analyses and expressed treatment effects as mean difference (MD), risk ratio (RR), and risk difference (RD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We used the generic inverse variance method to analyse specific outcomes for cross-over trials. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of evidence. There were two small randomised controlled trials including a total of 23 infants eligible for inclusion in the review. Only one trial involving 16 infants included in the analysis reported on either of the primary outcomes of the review. This found no difference in failure of modality between NIV-NAVA and NIPPV (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.02 to 7.14; RD -0.13, 95% CI -0.41 to 0.16; 1 study, 16 infants; heterogeneity not applicable). Both trials reported on secondary outcomes of the review, specific for cross-over trials (total 22 infants; 1 excluded due to failure of initial modality). One study involving seven infants reported a significant reduction in maximum FiO₂ with NIV-NAVA compared to NIPPV (MD -4.29, 95% CI -5.47 to -3.11; heterogeneity not applicable). There was no difference in maximum electric activity of the diaphragm (Edi) signal between modalities (MD -1.75, 95% CI -3.75 to 0.26; I² = 0%) and a significant increase in respiratory rate with NIV-NAVA compared to NIPPV (MD 7.22, 95% CI 0.21 to 14.22; I² = 72%) on a meta-analysis of two studies involving a total of 22 infants. The included studies did not report on other outcomes of interest. Due to limited data and very low certainty evidence, we were unable to determine if diaphragm-triggered non-invasive respiratory support is effective or safe in preventing respiratory failure in preterm infants. Large, adequately powered randomised controlled trials are needed to determine if diaphragm-triggered non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants is effective or safe.

Noninvasive Ventilation in the Delivery Room for the Preterm Infant.

A decade ago, preterm infants were prophylactically intubated and mechanically ventilated starting in the delivery room; however, now the shift is toward maintaining even the smallest of neonates on noninvasive respiratory support. The resuscitation of very low gestational age neonates continues to push the boundaries of neonatal care, as the events that transpire during the golden minutes right after birth prove ever more important for determining long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) remains the most important mode of noninvasive respiratory support for the preterm infant to establish and maintain functional residual capacity and decrease ventilation/perfusion mismatch. However, the majority of extremely low gestational age infants require face mask positive pressure ventilation during initial stabilization before receiving CPAP. Effectiveness of face mask positive pressure ventilation depends on the ability to detect and overcome mask leak and airway obstruction. In this review, the current evidence on devices and techniques of noninvasive ventilation in the delivery room are discussed.

An in‐line high frequency flow interrupter applied to nasal CPAP: Improved carbon dioxide clearance in a premature infant lung model

Noninvasive respiratory support continues to have high failure rates in small preterm infants. We previously demonstrated significantly improved in vitro CO2 washout by applying oscillations to a high flow nasal cannula system. To develop a high frequency flow interrupter that could be applied to commonly used nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) devices and to determine the effect of oscillations on end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2 ) levels in an infant lung model. NCPAP was applied to a premature infant lung simulator using either bubble (BCPAP) or variable-flow (VCPAP) CPAP. Supply gas was interrupted with a solenoid pinch valve. EtCO2 was measured before and during oscillation and repeated at 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 Hz oscillation and CPAP pressures of 4, 6, and 8 cm H 2 O. BCPAP and VCPAP EtCO2 levels decreased with oscillation (P < .001). BCPAP EtCO2 was significantly dependent on oscillation frequency (P < .001) with decreases of 18% to 47% and maximum effect at 10 Hz. Optimum VCPAP CO2 clearance occurred at 6 Hz with reductions of 30% and 39% at 6 and 8 cm H2 O CPAP respectively. BCPAP and VCPAP mean airway pressures remained unchanged transitioning from nonoscillation to oscillation. Oscillated BCPAP and VCPAP average amplitudes were 8.3 ± 0.5 and 8.4 ± 2.3 SD cm H2 O, respectively. Power spectrum analysis of non-oscillated BCPAP showed bubbling-only dominant peaks at 10 to 12 Hz corresponding with the maximum BCPAP EtCO2 reductions. Application of high frequency oscillation to NCPAP improves CO2 clearance in a premature infant lung model. This simple modification to NCPAP delivery devices may prove to be an effective enhancement of this mode of noninvasive respiratory support.

Cardiorespiratory behavior of preterm infants receiving continuous positive airway pressure and high flow nasal cannula post extubation: randomized crossover study.

BackgroundNasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are modes of non-invasive respiratory support commonly used after extubation in extremely preterm infants. However, the cardiorespiratory physiology of these infants on each mode is unknown.MethodsProspective, randomized crossover study in infants with birth weight ≤1250 g undergoing their first extubation attempt. NCPAP and HFNC were applied randomly for 45 min each, while ribcage and abdominal movements, electrocardiogram, oxygen saturation, and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) were recorded. Respiratory signals were analyzed using an automated method, and differences between NCPAP and HFNC features and changes in FiO2 were analyzed.ResultsA total of 30 infants with median [interquartile range] gestational age of 27 weeks [25.7, 27.9] and birth weight of 930 g [780, 1090] were studied. Infants were extubated at 5 days [2, 13] of life with 973 g [880, 1170] and three failed (10%). No differences in cardiorespiratory behavior were noted, except for longer respiratory pauses (9.2 s [5.0, 11.5] vs. 7.3 s [4.6, 9.3]; p = 0.04) and higher FiO2 levels (p = 0.02) during HFNC compared to NCPAP.ConclusionsIn extremely preterm infants studied shortly after extubation, the use of HFNC was associated with longer respiratory pauses and higher FiO2 requirements.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: a Multidisciplinary Approach to Management

We aim to present the challenges in defining bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and summarize optimized management of established BPD in a multidisciplinary fashion. In the last few years, several meta-analyses assessing the treatment of BPD have been updated to assist in guiding clinical management. In addition, a new severity grading system was proposed at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) BPD workshop with more objective criteria including commonly used modes of non-invasive respiratory support. Although survival of infants born prematurely has improved over the last several decades, the incidence of BPD has remained unchanged. Defining BPD and stratifying its severity continue to be challenging for clinicians. Successful BPD management requires a multidisciplinary approach to optimize ventilator strategies, provide adequate nutrition, utilize pharmacotherapeutics in an evidence-based fashion, and screen for comorbidities.

The effects of nasal continuous positive airway pressure and high flow nasal cannula on heart rate variability in extremely preterm infants after extubation: A randomized crossover trial.

NCPAP and High flow nasal cannula (HFNC) are common modes of non-invasive respiratory support used after extubation. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been demonstrated as a marker of well-being in neonates and differences in HRV were described in preterm infants receiving respiratory care. The objective was to investigate the effects of NCPAP and HFNC on HRV after extubation. Randomized crossover trial in infants with birth weight (BW) ≤1250 g after undergoing their first elective extubation. ECG recordings were performed during 45 min while on HFNC and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). Time domain, non-linear, and frequency domain parameters were calculated and compared during HFNC and NCPAP using paired nonparametric tests. A secondary analysis was performed in the subgroup of infants that were successfully extubated. Thirty infants with median [range] gestational age of 27 weeks [24.1-29.3] and BW of 930 g [610-1220] were studied at 5 days [1-39] of age. No differences in HRV parameters were observed between HFNC and NCPAP. In the secondary analysis, infants successfully extubated (n = 27) had a significantly higher HRV during HFNC for some time domain parameters. For instance, the standard deviation of the RR intervals (SDRR) was more likely to be higher during HFNC compared to NCPAP (HFNC: 18/27 vs NCPAP: 9/27, P = 0.017) . During the first hours after extubation, no differences in HRV were detected between HFNC and NCPAP in the overall cohort. However, a significantly higher HRV was noted during HFNC in the subgroup of infants successfully extubated.

Comparison of efficacy of nasal continuous positive airway pressure and heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula as a primary mode of respiratory support in preterm infants

Background: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is a well-recognized mode of noninvasive respiratory support (NIV) for newborns with respiratory distress. Evidence for the heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) as an alternative mode of respiratory support is scarce. The aim of this work was to evaluate whether HHHFNC is equally efficacious to NCPAP as providing primary respiratory support in the first 6 h of life for preterm neonates with respiratory distress. Methods: Preterm infants (gestation 26–34 weeks) with respiratory distress were randomized to either HHHFNC or NCPAP. The primary outcomes of the study were inferred in terms of total duration of NIV support (in hours) and total duration of oxygen supplementation (NIV + oxyhood/oxygen by nasal prongs) required. The secondary outcomes measured and compared between the two study groups were total time taken to reach full feeds; incidence and severity of nasal trauma; incidence of air leaks, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, patent ductus arteriosus, and retinopathy of prematurity. Results: The mean duration of NIV support in NCPAP and HHHFNC group was 69.1 ± 37.75 and 67.57 ± 45.48 h, respectively (P = 0.867). The mean durations of total oxygen supplementation in NCPAP and HHHFNC groups were 96.88 ± 100 and 83.73 ± 107 h, respectively (P = 0.062). The failure rate was similar in both the study groups (P = 1.000). Conclusions: We conclude from the present study that HHHFNC is equally efficacious to NCPAP as a primary mode of respiratory support for respiratory distress in preterm infants.

Effect of high frequency oscillatory high flow nasal cannula on carbon dioxide clearance in a premature infant lung model: A bench study.

This study compared CO2 clearance in a premature infant lung model connected to a high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) system supplied with oscillatory versus non-oscillatory flow. The lung model was set to compliance 1.0 mL/cmH2 O, RR 60 breaths/min, and 6 mL tidal volume. A 100% CO2 was injected at a constant 15 mL/min. To create oscillation, HFNC flow was interrupted at rates of 4-6-8 and 10 Hz. equilibrated end-tidal CO2 (ETCO2 ) was recorded with and without oscillation at set flows of 2-8 L/min and repeated for each oscillation frequency. Overall ETCO2 decreased significantly (P < 0.001) during both non-oscillatory and oscillatory HFNC as set flow increased from 2 to 8 L/min by 26.3% and 60.8%, respectively. Oscillatory ETCO2 levels decreased linearly compared to non-oscillatory HFNC with negligible difference at 2 L/min and a 48.4% difference at 8 L/min (P < 0.001). There were no differences in ETCO2 levels between oscillation frequencies at any flow except at 6 Hz for which ETCO2 was significantly lower (P < 0.01) than at 4, 8, and 10 Hz for 5-8 L/min HFNC flows. Amplitude of volume oscillations increased with increasing flow from 0.5 mL at 2 L/min to 4.0 mL at 8 L/min (P < 0.001), and decreased with increasing oscillation frequency. Oscillatory HFNC as compared to non-oscillatory was associated with significantly improved CO2 clearance in this premature infant lung model. This simple modification of the HFNC system may prove to be a useful enhancement to this mode of non-invasive respiratory support for preterm infants at high risk for respiratory failure.

Comparison of continuous positive airway pressure and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation as modes of non-invasive respiratory support for neonates in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit

Objectives: To compare the effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in neonates with mild to moderate respiratory distress. Method: A single centre randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Sri Jayawardenepura General Hospital, Sri Lanka from January to December 2015. The trial was registered with The Clinical Trials Registry ‘Clinical Trials.gov’ retrospectively. Eighty neonates admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) were randomly allocated to NIPPV and CPAP. Outcomes of respiratory support were observed and information on risk factors were obtained by going through the bed head tickets of the study cohort. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20 software. Results: Infants treated with NIPPV and CPAP had comparable demographic data and clinical status at the time of enrolment into the study. Infants treated initially with NIPPV needed less endotracheal ventilation than infants treated with CPAP (35% vs 40%, p = 0.644) but this difference is not statistically significant. Conclusions: The risks for respiratory failure and the need for ventilation were not statistically significantly different whether using NIPPV or CPAP. Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2018; 4 7 : 242-248

Non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: Study protocol for a multi-center prospective randomized controlled trial

BackgroundInvasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) is associated with the development of adverse pulmonary and non-pulmonary outcomes in very premature infants. Various modes of non-invasive respiratory support are increasingly being used to decrease the incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The aim of this trial is to compare the effect of non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) as a primary non-invasive ventilation support mode.Methods/designIn this multi-center randomized controlled trial, 300 preterm infants born at a gestational age of 266/7 to 336/7 weeks with a diagnosis of RDS will be randomized to NHFOV or NCPAP as a primary mode of non-invasive respiratory support. The study will be conducted in 18 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in China.The primary outcome is the need for IMV during the first 7 days after enrollment in preterm infants randomized to the two groups. The prespecified secondary outcomes include days of hospitalization, days on non-invasive respiratory support, days on IMV, days on supplemental oxygen, mortality, need for a surfactant, severe retinopathy of prematurity requiring laser treatment or surgery, patent ductus arteriosus needing ligation, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, abdominal distention, air leak syndromes, intraventricular hemorrhage (≥ grade 3), spontaneous intestinal perforation, necrotizing enterocolitis (≥II stage), and nasal trauma. Other secondary outcomes include Bayley Scales of Infant Development at 18–24 months of corrected age.DiscussionIn recent decades, several observational studies have compared the effects of NHFOV and NCPAP in neonates as a rescue mode or during weaning from IMV. To our knowledge, this will be the first multi-center prospective, randomized controlled trial to evaluate NHFOV as a primary mode in preterm infants with RDS in China or any other part of the world. Our trial may help to establish guidelines for NHFOV in preterm infants with RDS to minimize the need for IMV, and to decrease the significant pulmonary and non-pulmonary morbidities associated with IMV.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03099694. Registered on 4 April 2017.

FIRST-line support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC): a multicentre pilot randomised controlled trial of high-flow nasal cannula therapy versus continuous positive airway pressure in paediatric critical care

BackgroundAlthough high-flow nasal cannula therapy (HFNC) has become a popular mode of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) in critically ill children, there are no randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing it with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). We performed a pilot RCT to explore the feasibility, and inform the design and conduct, of a future large pragmatic RCT comparing HFNC and CPAP in paediatric critical care.MethodsIn this multi-centre pilot RCT, eligible patients were recruited to either Group A (step-up NRS) or Group B (step-down NRS). Participants were randomised (1:1) using sealed opaque envelopes to either CPAP or HFNC as their first-line mode of NRS. Consent was sought after randomisation in emergency situations. The primary study outcomes were related to feasibility (number of eligible patients in each group, proportion of eligible patients randomised, consent rate, and measures of adherence to study algorithms). Data were collected on safety and a range of patient outcomes in order to inform the choice of a primary outcome measure for the future RCT.ResultsOverall, 121/254 eligible patients (47.6%) were randomised (Group A 60%, Group B 44.2%) over a 10-month period (recruitment rate for Group A, 1 patient/site/month; Group B, 2.8 patients/site/month). In Group A, consent was obtained in 29/33 parents/guardians approached (87.9%), while in Group B 84/118 consented (71.2%). Intention-to-treat analysis included 113 patients (HFNC 59, CPAP 54). Most reported adverse events were mild/moderate (HFNC 8/59, CPAP 9/54). More patients switched treatment from HFNC to CPAP (Group A: 7/16, 44%; Group B: 9/43, 21%) than from CPAP to HFNC (Group A: 3/13, 23%; Group B: 5/41, 12%). Intubation occurred within 72 h in 15/59 (25.4%) of HFNC patients and 10/54 (18.5%) of CPAP patients (p = 0.38). HFNC patients experienced fewer ventilator-free days at day 28 (Group A: 19.6 vs. 23.5; Group B: 21.8 vs. 22.2).ConclusionsOur pilot trial confirms that, following minor changes to consent procedures and treatment algorithms, it is feasible to conduct a large national RCT of non-invasive respiratory support in the paediatric critical care setting in both step-up and step-down NRS patients.Trial registrationclinicaltrials.gov, NCT02612415. Registered on 23 November 2015.

A comparative study of HHHFNC and NCPAP in preventing reintubation in extreme preterm infants born at less than 30-week gestation

Introduction: Despite recent advances in respiratory support, the wide use of antenatal steroids and surfactant-replacement therapy, respiratory problems continue to represent the leading cause of mortality in premature infants during the neonatal period. In the last few years, HHHFNC has been widely adopted as a mode of noninvasive respiratory support for infants with respiratory difficulties. However, data of the safety and efficacy of HHHFNC use in extremely premature infants are scarce. This study will aid in bridging the knowledge gap and sheds light on the efficacy and, more importantly, the safety of HHHFNC as noninvasive respiratory support for extremely premature infants.Methods: This is a retrospective comparative study conducted at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital between 1 October 2010 and 31 December 2014. Data were collected from the medical notes and electronic records of the eligible patients. Participants’ total number was 26, 9 patients in nCPAP group while HHHFNC group consisted of 17 patients. The participants’ gestational age was ranging between 24 to 29 + 9 weeks who were supported by either nCPAP or HHHFNC after first extubation. Primary outcome was defined as the need for reintubation within 72-hour immediately postextubation, i.e. failure of noninvasive respiratory support.Results: Study showed no statistically significant differences in either primary (nCPAP (9/2 [22%]), HHHFNC (17/2 [12%]; p = .59)) or secondary outcomes (Constant need for O2 in the first 4 weeks of life (p = .62), pneumothorax (p = 1.0), nasal injury (p = .35)). p Value for spontaneous bowel perforation was not computed, as there were no affected patients.Conclusions: The study demonstrates that HHHFNC is similarly safe and efficacious in comparison to nCPAP as noninvasive respiratory support for extremely premature infants’ postextubation.

Application of high-frequency nasal ventilation in the treatment of neonatal respiratory failure

In order to reduce the complications associated with invasive mechanical ventilation, non-invasive respiratory support is used widely in the clinical work.However, the optimal approach and mode for non-invasive ventilation remains uncertain.As a new mode of non-invasive respiratory support, high-frequency nasal ventilation(HFNV)theoretically should combine the advantages of nasal CPAP and high-frequency ventilation, which is often used in the respiratory support of newborns, particularly in the extremely low birth weight infants.We review the research progress and application of the HFNV in the treatment of neonatal respiratory failure. Key words: Non-invasive ventilation; High-frequency ventilation; Respiratory failure; Respiratory distress syndrome; Neonate

Non-invasive respiratory support in newborn infants

Abstract Respiratory failure is the most common morbidity in newborn infants, often requiring respiratory support. Traditionally, invasive mechanical ventilation was the preferred method of neonatologists. Over the last two decades, various forms of non-invasive ventilation have become popular as modes of respiratory support in newborn infants, especially if they are born preterm. These modes differ from mechanical ventilation in not needing an endo-tracheal tube, and are commonly delivered by bi-nasal prongs. We review the common modes of non-invasive respiratory support in newborn infants, including their proposed mechanisms of action and the evidence supporting their use.

FIRST-line support for Assistance in Breathing in Children (FIRST-ABC): protocol for a multicentre randomised feasibility trial of non-invasive respiratory support in critically ill children

IntroductionOver 18 000 children are admitted annually to UK paediatric intensive care units (PICUs), of whom nearly 75% receive respiratory support (invasive and/or non-invasive). Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has...

Survey of noninvasive respiratory support practices in Canadian neonatal intensive care units

To evaluate practice variation with respect to noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) use across Canadian neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). A web-based survey was sent to all site investigators of the 30 level 3 NICUs participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network. The survey inquired about the use of five commonly described NRS modes. In addition, the presence and adherence to local guidelines were ascertained. Descriptive analyses were performed to identify variations in practice. In total, 28 (93%) of the 30 tertiary NICUs responded to the survey. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) was employed universally (100%). High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was used in 89% of NICUs, biphasic CPAP in 79% and nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in 54%, and nasal high-frequency ventilation was used in 18% of units. Only 61% of all NRS use was guided by local policies, with the lowest being for HFNC (36%). There was a wide range of settings employed and interfaces used for all NRS modes. There are significant practice variations in NRS use across Canadian NICUs. Further research is needed to evaluate the significance in relation to pulmonary outcomes to determine optimal NRS strategies.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy and respiratory support in preterm infants

High flow nasal cannulae(HFNC), a new mode of noninvasive respiratory support, by high-flow nasal cannula transports humidified, warmed and high flow maxed oxygen above the flow of 1~2 L/min.In the application of Neonatology, the higher oxygen flow and the smaller body type of newborn cause the stronger the expansion pressure by HFNC, and following the change of the amount of oxygen leaking along the conduit.The effect of HFNC in improving respiratory parameters(such as neonatal tidal volume and respiratory function)was similar to nasal continuous positive airway pressure(NCPAP), but the effectiveness is limited to the flow less than 2L/min.A growing number of evidence suggests that HFNC as an alternative method for preterm non-invasive alternative ventilation is available, but the effect and safety of applications in preterm still need further research.HFNC is not recommended popularized in preterm until more randomized trials to confirm. Key words: High-flow nasal cannula oxygen therapy; Preterm; Noninvasive ventilation

Randomized controlled trial to compare sleep and wake in preterm infants less than 32 weeks of gestation receiving two different modes of non-invasive respiratory support

AimTo determine whether respiratory support via heated humidified high flow nasal cannulae (HHHFNC) results in infants <32weeks gestation spending a greater proportion of time in sleep compared to those receiving nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). MethodsA subgroup of infants enrolled in a randomized controlled trial to compare HHHFNC or NCPAP post-extubation had sleep and wake activity measured by actigraphy for 72hours post-extubation. Activity diaries were completed contemporaneously to record episodes of infant handling. Actigraphy data were downloaded with known periods of handling excluded from the analysis. Results28 infants with mean gestation of 28.3weeks (SD 2) and birth weight 1074g (SD 371) were studied. Infants receiving HHHFNC spent a lesser proportion of time in sleep 59.8% (SD 18.5) than those on NCPAP 82.2% (SD 23.8) p=0.004. Infants receiving HHHFNC had a lower sleep efficiency and higher mean activity score than those on NCPAP (p=0.003, p=0.002, respectively). ConclusionInfants receiving HHHFNC had a higher mean activity score and spent less time in sleep than those allocated NCPAP. Further study of sleep wake activity in preterm infants receiving respiratory support is required as this may impact on neurodevelopmental outcomes.