Non-invasive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Research Articles

Azithromycin therapy for prevention of chronic lung disease of prematurity (AZTEC): a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Systematic reviews have reported conflicting evidence on whether macrolide antibiotics reduce rates of chronic lung disease of prematurity (CLD) in at-risk preterm infants born at less than 30 weeks' gestation, including in those colonised with pulmonary Ureaplasma spp. Since an adequately powered trial has been lacking, we aimed to assess if the macrolide azithromycin improved survival without the development of physiologically defined moderate or severe CLD in preterm infants. AZTEC was a multicentre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial conducted in 28 tertiary neonatal intensive care units in the UK. Infants were eligible if they were born at less than 30 weeks' gestation and had received at least 2 h of either non-invasive (continuous positive airway pressure or humidified high flow nasal cannula therapy) or invasive respiratory support (via endotracheal tube) within 72 h of birth. Eligible infants were randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio using random permuted blocks of four to receive either intravenous azithromycin at 20 mg/kg per day for 3 days followed by 10 mg/kg for 7 days, or to placebo. Allocation was stratified by centre and gestational age at birth (<28 weeks vs ≥28 weeks). Azithromycin and placebo vials were encased in tamper-evident custom cardboard cartons to ensure masking for clinicians, parents, and the research team. The primary outcome was survival without development of physiologically defined moderate or severe CLD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age. Outcomes and safety were analysed on an intention-to-treat basis (all randomly allocated infants, regardless of any post-randomisation events). The study was registered with ISRCRN (11650227) and is closed. Infants were recruited between Oct 9, 2019, and March 22, 2022. 799 (53·1%) of 1505 eligible infants underwent random allocation; three infants were withdrawn, including consent to use their data, leaving 796 infants for analysis. Survival without moderate or severe CLD occurred in 166 (42%) of 394 infants in the intervention group and 179 (45%) of 402 in the placebo group (three-level adjusted OR [aOR] 0·84, 95% CI 0·55-1·29, p=0·43). Pulmonary Ureaplasma spp colonisation did not influence treatment effect. Overall, seven serious adverse events were reported for the azithromycin group (five graded as severe, two as moderate), and six serious adverse events were reported in the placebo group (two severe, two moderate, and two mild), as assessed by the local principal investigators. Since prophylactic use of azithromycin did not improve survival without development of physiologically-defined CLD, regardless of Ureaplasma spp colonisation, it cannot be recommended in clinical practice. UK National Institute for Health and Care Research.

Respiratory Support Effects over Time on Regional Lung Ventilation Assessed by Electrical Impedance Tomography in Premature Infants.

Background and objectives: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) frequently necessitates respiratory support. While non-invasive methods are typically the preferred approach, mechanical ventilation becomes necessary for patients with insufficient response. Our study aimed to compare two common respiratory support modes, volume-targeted mechanical ventilation and non-invasive ventilation continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC), using electrical impedance tomography. Materials and Methods: Infants with very low birth weight and gestational ages of less than 32 weeks were eligible for inclusion in the study. All enrolled infants were beyond the transitional period (>72 h of age). The infants were divided into two groups: infants receiving invasive respiratory support through an endotracheal tube and infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support. We used electrical impedance tomography to assess end-expiratory lung impedance (EELZ), DeltaZ, heterogeneity, and regional ventilation distribution. Patients were evaluated at 0, 30, and 60 min after assuming the supine position to examine potential time-related effects. Results: Our study initially enrolled 97 infants, and the final analysis included a cohort of 72 infants. Ventilated infants exhibited significantly larger EELZ compared to their non-invasive counterparts (p = 0.026). DeltaZ was also greater in the invasive respiratory support group (p < 0.001). Heterogeneity was higher in the non-invasive group and did not change significantly over time. The non-invasive group demonstrated significantly greater ventilation in the dependent lung areas compared to intubated patients (p = 0.005). Regional distribution in the left lung was lower than in the right lung in both groups; however, this difference was significantly more pronounced in intubated patients (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our study revealed that volume-targeted mechanical ventilation results in higher EELZ and DeltaZ compared to spontaneously breathing infants receiving non-invasive respiratory support. However, lung heterogeneity was lower during mechanical ventilation. Our study also reaffirmed that spontaneous breathing promotes greater involvement of the dependent lung compared to mechanical ventilation.

Terapi Non-Invasive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Ventilation pada Keracunan Gas Karbon Monoksida

Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is one of the leading environmental emergencies with high mortality and morbidity. The brain and heart are especially at-risk organs of being affected. Clinical manifestations may closely mimic various nonspecific viral illnesses. Diagnosis is made based on of clinical symptoms, patient history, and the location’s circumstances. Current therapy recommendations for CO poisoning are 100% normobaric oxygen (NBO) or hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Non-invasive ventilation CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) method is effective as a therapy for CO poisoning in the emergency room because it can provide tissue oxygenation and eliminate CO quickly.

Application value of arousal threshold in obstructive sleep apnea

The pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) includes anatomical and non-anatomical factors, and the arousal threshold (ArTH) is one of the important non-anatomical factors. At present, the main method is to assess the increased respiratory effort due to arousal to determine the arousal threshold, and invasive epiglottic or esophageal manometry is the gold standard, while the non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) method and polysomnography (PSG) ventilation signal conversion method are also widely used. Arousal threshold is expected to serve as an important evaluation index and potential target for drug therapy in OSA, which is of great importance for realization of precise treatment of OSA. This article focused on the method and clinical significance of OSA arousal threshold.

Comparison of the efficacy of two natural surfactants (BERAKSURF and BLES) in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome among preterm neonates

BackgroundThe benefit of surfactant replacement therapy for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) has been demonstrated. However, some surfactants are expensive and usually inaccessible. Consequently, the Iranian Survanta was produced, but its effect on complications and mortality of RDS is unknown. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic outcomes of Iranian surfactant (beraksurf) and BLES (bovine lipid extract surfactant) on RDS treatment among preterm neonates.MethodsThis triple blinded randomized controlled trial study was performed on 128 eligible neonates diagnosed with RDS in Afzalipour hospital in Kerman, Iran. Diagnosis of RDS, gestational age of 28–34 weeks and weight ≥ 1 kg were considered as inclusion criteria. Congenital anomalies such as congenital cyanotic heart diseases, digestive system anomalies and chromosome abnormalities were the exclusion criteria Neonates were randomly assigned into two equal groups: (1) those treated with BLES (n = 64) and (2) those treated with beraksurf (n = 64). Complications including patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), sepsis, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, mortality, and also, the number of days required for invasive mechanical ventilation (using ventilator) and non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) were evaluated for all neonates. The risk ratio (RR) was calculated at 95% of confidence intervals (CI).ResultsCompared with BLES group, the RR estimate among neonates in beraksurf group was 0.89 (0.66–1.20) for PDA, 0.71 (0.23–2.13) for IVH, 0.44 (0.14–1.36) for sepsis, 0.35 (0.13–0.93) for pneumothorax, 0.33 (0.12–0.86) for pulmonary hemorrhage, and 0.55 (0.28–1.05) for mortality.ConclusionsDespite advances in the use of exogenous surfactants for the treatment of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; There are still some controversial topics in this field. The results obtained in the present study showed that the two types of surfactant (BERAKSURF and BLES) have similar efficacy for the treatment and short-term outcomes in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome. Therefore, due to the cost-effectiveness of BRAKSURF compared to BLES, We recommend choosing BERAKSURF in terms of treatment.

Lung morphology changes in patients with COVID-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome depending on the respiratory therapy options

Background. Morphologic examination of lung tissue in COVID-related acute respiratory distress syndrome is shown in publications predominantly regarding the course of disease but not the type of respiratory support. The aim of the single center study was to determine the influence of different types of respiratory therapy on morphologic findings in lung tissue of patients, who had died from COVID-19. Material and methods. The examined patients with COVID-related related acute respiratory distress syndrome (n = 30) were divided into three groups. Group 1 included those who received non-invasive lung ventilation in continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) mode through a face mask (n = 10), group 2 consisted of patients who received oxygen therapy with a flow of 15 l/min through a rebreather mask (n = 10), and group 3 included people who underwent invasive lung ventilation through an endotracheal tube (n = 10). Results. In lung tissue of patients of group 1, we revealed prevalence of edema and hemorrhagic changes as well as discrepancy of diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) manifestations and duration of the disease. So, morphological manifestations of exudative phase of DAD were found even after 14 days of disease, and interstitial pneumonia with fibrosing alveolitis was observed only in 12.5 % of patients. The presence of dystelectasis, compensatory emphysema and thinning of the alveolar wall were typical morphological findings in the patients of group 2. Numerous hyaline membranes covered alveolar walls and led to a decrease in gas exchange area, alveolar-capillary block and were the cause of impaired lung ventilation function. Morphological signs of proliferative phase of DAD in patients of group 3 were accompanied by the development of alveolar fibrosis and secondary bacterial bronchopneumonia, especially in prolonged invasive lung ventilation. Conclusions. Low-flow oxygen therapy may lead to the progression of respiratory failure due to self-damaging of intact lung tissue. We have also revealed negative impact of invasive pulmonary ventilation on the number of bacterial complications and fibrosis stimulation. The most favorable morphologic changes were found in patients with non-invasive CPAP ventilation.

May noninvasive mechanical ventilation and/ or continuous positive airway pressure increase the bronchoalveolar lavage salvage in patients with pulmonary diseases? Randomized clinical trial - Study protocol

PurposeBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) procedure is a useful tool in the diagnosis of patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) and is helpful in clinical research of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. Still little is known about predictors of poor BAL salvage. The trial aims to find the most efficient way to improve BAL recovery. Material and methodsOur study is a prospective, multicenter, international, two-arm randomized controlled trial. We aim to obtain BAL samples from a total number of 300 patients: 150 with ILD and 150 with COPD to achieve a statistical power of 80 ​%. Patients with initial BAL salvage <60 ​% will be randomized into the non-invasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) arm. The NIV and CPAP will be set according to the study protocol. The influence on BAL salvage will be assessed in terms of BAL volume and content. Multivariable analysis of the additional test results to determine predictors for low BAL recovery will be conducted. In a study subgroup of approximately 20 patients per specific disease, a metabolomic assessment of exhaled air condensate will be performed. All procedures will be assessed in terms of the patient's safety. The trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov (ID# NCT05631132). Interested experienced centers are invited to join the research group by writing to the corresponding author. ConclusionThe results of our prospective study will address the currently unsolved problem of how to increase BAL salvage in patients with pulmonary diseases without increasing the risk of respiratory failure exacerbation.

A Comparative Study between Non-Invasive Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Ventilation and High Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygenation among COVID-19 Patients with Acute Hypoxemic Respiratory Failure

Abstract Background Both non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (NIV CPAP) and high flow nasal cannula oxygenation (HFNC) are beneficial in patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. COVID-19 is a pandemic infectious disease caused by the coronavirus with a variable clinical picture. This study compares NIV CPAP and HFNC oxygenation in maintaining adequate ventilation, oxygenation and prevention or delaying endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation in COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Objective To study the effect of NIV CPAP versus HFNC oxygenation among COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in maintaining adequate ventilation, oxygenation and prevention or delaying endotracheal intubation when conventional oxygen therapy (COT) fails to maintain adequate oxygenation. Patients and Methods Our study compares the effect of NIV CPAP versus HFNC oxygenation among COVID-19 patients with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure in maintaining adequate ventilation, oxygenation and prevention or delaying endotracheal intubation when conventional oxygen therapy (COT) fails to maintain adequate oxygenation. Results Results showed a significant improvement in most of patients whether using NIV or HFNC and delaying intubation, with superiority of NIV over HFNC specially as regard oxygenation in terms of PaO2/FiO2. As regard invasive ventilation free days NIV-CPAP use yielded a mean invasive ventilation free days of statistically significant longer duration than HFNC group. While comparison between both groups showed that there was no significant difference as regard ICU stay days or mortality rate. Conclusion We concluded that both NI-CPAP and HFNC therapy are effective measures in respiratory support and management of acute hypoxemic respiratory failure caused by COVID-19. This is proved by improvement in oxygenation and ventilation after treatment with both NI-CPAP and HFNC which is evident by increase in both peripheral oxygen saturation (SpaO2) and PaO2/FiO2 ratio with lower both respiratory rates and PaCO2. This makes them as an excellent alternative to prevent or postpone invasive mechanical ventilation as a standalone therapy and as a bridge for respiratory recovery. This is especially important in limited resources in face of worldwide outbreak.

Cardiopulmonary interactions in left heart failure.

The primary impact of ventilation and ventilatory efforts on left ventricular (LV) function in left ventricular dysfunction relate to how changes in intrathoracic pressure (ITP) alter the pressure gradients for venous return into the chest and LV ejection out of the chest. Spontaneous inspiratory efforts by decreasing ITP increase both of these pressure gradients increasing venous blood flow and impeding LV ejection resulting in increased intrathoracic blood volume. In severe heart failure states when lung compliance is reduced, or airway resistance is increased these negative swings in ITP can be exacerbated leading to LV failure and acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. By merely reversing these negative swings in ITP by the use of non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), these profoundly detrimental forces can be immediately reversed, and cardiovascular stability can be restored in moments. This forms the clinical rationale for the immediate use of CPAP for the treatment of acute cardiogenic pulmonary edema. Increasing ITP during positive pressure ventilation decreases the pressure gradients for venous return and LV ejection decreasing intrathoracic blood volume. In a hypovolemic patient even with LV dysfunction this can result in hypotension due to inadequate LV preload. Minor increases in ITP as occur using pressure-limited positive-pressure ventilation primarily reverse the increased LV afterload of negative swings in ITP and if fluid overload was already present, minimally alter cardiac output. The effect of changes in lung volume on LV function are related primarily to its effects on right ventricular (RV) function through changes in pulmonary vascular resistance and overdistention (hyperinflation). In acute lung injury with alveolar collapse, positive pressure ventilation may reduce pulmonary vascular resistance if alveolar recruitment predominates. Hyperinflation, however, impedes diastolic filling while simultaneously increasing pulmonary vascular resistance. Thus, increasing lung volume can reduce RV afterload by reversing hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction or increase afterload by overdistention. Hyperinflation can also impede RV filling. All of these processes can be readily identified at the bedside using echocardiography.

Physiological effects of standard oxygen therapy, high-flow nasal cannula, and helmet CPAP in acute bronchiolitis: a randomized cross-over study

ObjectivesAcute viral bronchiolitis (AVB) is a major cause of hospitalization for children in developed and developing countries. Nasal high flow (NHF) therapy improves oxygenation and reduces respiratory drive by enhancing carbon dioxide wash-out. However, little is known about the physiological effects of non-invasive helmet continuous positive airway pressure (h-CPAP) and NHF on respiratory work of breathing (WOB) in pediatric patients with AVB. The present study measured esophageal pressure time product over 1 min (PTPes*min−1), as a close surrogate for WOB during standard oxygen therapy (SOT), NHF delivered at incremental flow rates, and h-CPAP in hospitalized patients with AVB.MethodsThis is a physiological randomized crossover study with four 20-min steps: SOT delivered by a Venturi mask; NHF2 set at 2L/kg*min−1PBW; NHF3 set at 3L/kg*min−1PBW; and h-CPAP with PEEP 7 cmH2O. PTPes *min−1, pressure rate product (PRP), respiratory and other physiological parameters were collected towards the end of each step.ResultsTen hypoxemic children with AVB were enrolled. PTPes*min−1, respiratory rate (RR), PRP, and heart rate (HR) decreased progressively from h-CPAP to NHF3, NHF2, and SOT (p < 0.01). Transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (tcCO2) was lower during h-CPAP, NHF3, and NHF2 than during SOT (p < 0.001). SpO2:FiO2 was higher during h-CPAP than with all other support (p < 0.01).ConclusionsIn pediatric patients with AVB, h-CPAP was associated with lower WOB, better oxygenation, and lower tcCO2 than with SOT and NHF trials.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov NCT03689686 Registered 1 August 2018.

Lack of Association between Diaphragm Thickening Fraction and Transdiaphragmatic Pressure Swing in COVID-19 Pneumonia during Helmet Continuous Positive Airway Pressure: Research Letter.

Recently, evaluation of the diaphragm by means of ultrasound has become popular.1 The increase in diaphragm thickness during inspiration (thickening fraction) has been proposed as a noninvasive bedside measure of diaphragm function,2,3 although previous studies have reported wide variability between thickening, inspiratory effort, and transdiaphragmatic pressure.4–6 We hypothesized that the force-length and force-generating relationship in the diaphragm is altered by different positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) levels in patients with SARS-CoV-2.7We investigated the relationship between diaphragm thickening fraction and transdiaphragmatic pressure swing during noninvasive helmet continuous positive airway pressure. From March to December 2021, a total of 26 consecutive patients with laboratory-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection admitted to the intensive care unit of Santa Chiara Hospital (Trento, Italy) were prospectively enrolled. The study was approved by the ethics committee (Rep. Int. 282/2022), and written informed consent was obtained. At intensive care unit admission, according to the local protocol, noninvasive respiratory assistance with helmet continuous positive airway pressure was started, and a nasogastric tube provided with two balloons for registering the esophageal and gastric pressures was inserted.8 Intragastric positioning of the tube was checked with standard methods; both balloons were inflated with manufacturer- recommended volume. Intragastric position of the lower balloon was confirmed by positive pressure deflections during gentle abdominal compressions; the mid-lower third esophageal position of the proximal balloon was confirmed by inspiratory negative deflections and the presence of cardiac artifacts. In vivo calibration of the filling volume was performed. Patients underwent a trial with three increasing levels of PEEP, lasting 30 min each. The first level was set at 0 cm H2O. PEEP was then increased to 5 and 10 cm H2O; fractional expired oxygen tension was left unchanged. An average of three measurements was made, with careful attention to select the same breaths for the diaphragm ultrasound and for esophageal/gastric pressure measurements. During the last 5 min of each step, esophageal and transdiaphragmatic pressure swing and diaphragmatic ultrasound were recorded. The right hemidiaphragm was identified in the zone of apposition as a three-layered structure by B-mode ultrasonography, with the probe at the mid-axillary line at the 10th intercostal space.1 Thickness was measured from frozen M-mode images as the distance from the pleural to the peritoneal line. All the examinations were performed by the same expert physician and recorded for a subsequent offline analysis.The study population had a median age of 67.5 [62.3–72.5 interquartile range] yr, 16 (61.5%) were male, body mass index was 27 [24–33 interquartile range] kg/m2, and Pao2/fractional expired oxygen tension ratio and Paco2 at admission were 122 [103–139 interquartile range] and 39 [37–44 interquartile range] mmHg, respectively. No association was found between diaphragm thickening fraction and transdiaphragmatic pressure swings or esophageal pressure swings, at 0 cm H2O, 5 cm H2O, and 10 cm H2O (fig. 1).In a previous investigation, Steinberg et al.9 found that neither thickening fraction nor diaphragmatic excursion was able to estimate esophageal pressure swings in patients with SARS-CoV-2. We sought to extend these findings by investigating the relationship between diaphragm ultrasound and the transdiaphragmatic pressure swing, which should be more representative of the contribution of the diaphragm to the total inspiratory effort. Similar to other authors,4 we confirm the lack of association between diaphragm thickening and the transdiaphragmatic pressure. Despite that it may lie on the nonlinear pressure–volume relationship of the diaphragm, during a single breath, the diaphragm inspiratory thickening and the transdiaphragmatic pressure generated depend on the specific pattern of thoracoabdominal motion (i.e., a descent of the diaphragm rather than expansion of the rib cage). The application of PEEP also causes changes in the diaphragm geometry also modifying the force generated by the diaphragm that may not be uniform across the muscle.The different position of the diaphragm muscle over its force or length relationship is likely explained by changes in end-expiratory lung volume during the PEEP trial. Although not directly measured, diaphragm dysfunction can also be a contributing factor; COVID-19 is associated with a viral myositis,10 which might have affected diaphragm force-generating capacity.However, the impact of the small sample size on any statistical inference must be considered, and the lack of Gilbert index and pressure-time product of diaphragmatic pressure calculation reduces the interpretation of our results.In summary, despite being promising for its feasibility and noninvasive characteristics, the assessment of diaphragm thickening should not be used as a surrogate for inspiratory effort. In SARS-CoV-2 patients during helmet continuous positive airway pressure in the acute setting, an increase in inspiratory effort, as measured by transdiaphragmatic pressure swings, is not related to diaphragm thickening fraction. We suggest caution against using this tool to inform clinical choices about respiratory support, at least until more robust data will be available.Support was provided solely from institutional and/or departmental sources.The authors declare no competing interests.

Respiratory effort during noninvasive positive pressure ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure in severe acute viral bronchiolitis.

To assess if noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) is associated with a greater reduction in respiratory effort as compared to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) during severe acute bronchiolitis, with both supports set either clinically or physiologically. Twenty infants (median [IQR] age 1.2 [0.9; 3.2] months) treated <24 h with noninvasive respiratory support (CPAP Clin, set at 7 cmH2 O, or NIPPV Clin) for bronchiolitis were included in a prospective single-center crossover study. Esogastric pressures were measured first with the baseline support, then with the other support. For each support, recordings were performed with the clinical setting and a physiological setting (CPAP Phys and NIPPV Phys), aiming at normalising respiratory effort. Patients were then treated with the optimal support. The primary outcome was the greatest reduction in esophageal pressure-time product (PTPES /min). Other outcomes included improvement of the other components of the respiratory effort. NIPPV Clin and Phys were associated with a lower PTPES /min (164 [105; 202] and 106 [78; 161] cmH2 O s/min, respectively) than CPAP Clin (178 [145; 236] cmH2 O s/min; p = 0.01 and 2 × 10-4 , respectively). NIPPV Clin and Phys were also associated with a significant reduction of all other markers of respiratory effort as compared to CPAP Clin. PTPES /min with NIPPV (Clin or Phys) was not different from PTPES /min with CPAP Phys. There was no significant difference between physiological and clinical settings. NIPPV is associated with a significant reduction in respiratory effort as compared to CPAP set at +7 cmH2 O in infants with severe acute bronchiolitis. CPAP Phys performs as well as NIPPV Clin.

Reducing the time delay of oxygen transport to the neonate on continuous positive airway pressure support: A bench study.

Premature newborns often require oxygen support as part of their therapy. Systems for oxygen administration are developed to assure adequate oxygenation of newborns. Several factors were identified in the systems that contribute to the time delay between the change in the set inspiratory oxygen fraction and its actual delivery to tissues. In this study, we aimed to reduce the physical delay in oxygen delivery to newborns. We developed an O2 Flush System (O2-FS) that brings the source of oxygen as close to a patient as possible to make oxygen available for rapid delivery that compensates for the physical delay in the ventilator circuit. The O2-FS system is built around an electromechanical on/off valve. We validated the O2-FS concept in experiments with non-invasive Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAP) ventilators. The O2-FS accelerated oxygen delivery with all the tested systems and arrangements, typically by 5-15 s. We also observed that the application of supplemental oxygen increased the pressure in the ventilator circuit by 3-4 cmH2O which may mitigate the apneic pauses that are common in premature newborns. The O2-FS system may work as a universal accessory of the CPAP lung ventilator and shorten the distribution of oxygen to the patient during oxygen desaturation events, possibly eliminating or interrupting apneic pauses in neonates, for whom oxygen therapy is an essential treatment. In clinical practice, the O2-FS could help maintain normoxemic saturation values through adequate oxygen dosing in preterm neonates, thus reducing morbidity and mortality.

Systemic postnatal corticosteroid use for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and its relationship to early neurodevelopment in extremely preterm infants

BackgroundSystemic postnatal corticosteroid use in extremely preterm infants poses a risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes. This study explores their use beyond seven days of age with early neurodevelopmental assessments during the fidgety period (9–20 weeks postterm age).MethodsThis retrospective single-center cohort study included inborn extremely preterm infants from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2018. Outborn infants, those with congenital or genetic abnormalities, and those who received postnatal corticosteroids for nonrespiratory reasons were excluded. The cohort was dichotomized based on the status of corticosteroid receipt. Early neurodevelopmental outcomes were reported using Prechtl’s General Movements Assessment.ResultsOf the 282 infants, 67 (23.75%) received corticosteroids. Of these, 34 (50.75%) received them for dependency on invasive ventilation (intermittent positive-pressure ventilation), and the remainder received them for dependency on non-invasive ventilation continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or bi-level positive airway pressure (BiPAP). Abnormal or absent fidgety movements were observed in 13% of infants (7/54) who received corticosteroids compared to 2% of infants (3/146) who did not. An increased odds for an abnormal general movements assessment from corticosteroid use after adjusting for gestational age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 5.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.14–26.56] was observed. The motor optimality scores differed between the two groups [corticosteroid group: 25.5 (23–26) versus no-corticosteroid group: 26 (24–28); z = − 2.02]. A motor optimality score < 20 was observed in 14.8% of infants (8/54) in the corticosteroid group compared to 2% of infants (3/146) in the noncorticosteroid group. This difference was significant after adjustment for gestational age (aOR 5.96, 95% CI 1.28–27.74).ConclusionsAbnormal early neurodevelopment was observed in infants who received systemic postnatal corticosteroids. The relationship between these findings and other factors influencing early neurodevelopment needs further exploration.

Efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal cannula therapy in elderly patients with acute respiratory failure.

To assess the efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in elderly patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF) not due to COVID-19, refractory to treatment with conventional oxygen therapy and/or intolerant to noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and without criteria for admission to intensive care units (ICU). Prospective observational study of patients with ARF treated with HFNC who presented clinical and arterial blood gas deterioration after 24h of medical treatment and oxygenation by conventional systems. The degree of dyspnoea, gas exchange parameters (arterial O2 pressure/inspired O2 fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2); oxygen saturation measured by oximetry/ inspired fraction of oxygen (Sp02/Fi02), ROX index), degree of patient tolerance and mortality were evaluated. These were measured at discharge from the emergency department (ED), 24h after treatment with conventional oxygenation and 60, 120min and 24h after initiation of HFNC. The results were analyzed for all patients as a whole and for patients with hypercapnia (arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO2) < 45 mmHg) separately. 200 patients were included in the study between November 2019 and November 2020, with a mean age of 83 years, predominantly women (61.9%), obese (Body Mass Index (BMI) 31.1), with high comorbidity (Charlson index 4) and mild-moderate degree of dependence (Barthel 60). A number of 128 patients (64%) were hypercapnic. None had respiratory acidosis (pH 7.39). Evaluation at 60min, 120min and 24h showed significant improvement in all patients and in the subgroup of hypercapnic patients with respect to baseline parameters in respiratory rate (RR), dyspnoea, ROX index, PaO2/FiO2, SpO2/FiO2 and patient comfort. No changes in PaCO2 or level of consciousness were observed. HFNC was well tolerated. Ten patients (5%) died due to progression of the disease causing ARF. HFNC is an effective and safe alternative in elderly patients with ARF not due to COVID-19, refractory to treatment with conventional oxygen therapy and/or intolerant to NIV or CPAP and without criteria for admission to ICU.

Protocol for a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled phase III trial of the inhaled β2-adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol for transient tachypnea of the newborn (the REFSAL trial).

Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN), which results from inadequate absorption of fetal lung fluid, is the most common cause of neonatal respiratory distress. Stimulation of β-adrenergic receptors enhances alveolar fluid absorption. Therefore, the β2-adrenergic receptor agonist salbutamol has been proposed as a treatment for TTN. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of salbutamol as supportive pharmacotherapy together with non-invasive nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NIV/nCPAP) for the prevention of persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) in infants with TTN. This multicenter, double-blind, phase III trial will include infants with a gestational age between 32 and 42 weeks who are affected by respiratory disorders and treated in eight neonatal intensive care units in Poland. A total of 608 infants within 24 h after birth will be enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to receive nebulized salbutamol with NIV or placebo (nebulized 0.9% NaCl) with NIV. The primary outcome is the percentage of infants with TTN who develop PPHN. The secondary outcomes are the severity of respiratory distress (assessed with the modified TTN Silverman score), frequency of need for intubation, duration of NIV and hospitalization, acid-base balance (blood pH, partial pressure of O2 and CO2, and base excess), and blood serum ionogram for Na+, K+, and Ca2+. The Respiratory Failure with Salbutamol (REFSAL) study will be the first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of salbutamol in the prevention of persistent pulmonary hypertension in newborns with tachypnea, and will improve short term outcomes. If successful, the study will demonstrate the feasibility of early intervention with NIV/nCPAP together with nebulized salbutamol in the management of TTN. The study protocol was approved by the Bioethics Committee of the Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland on November 16, 2020 (decision number KB/190/2020). All procedures will follow the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. The results of the study will be submitted for knowledge translation in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international pediatric society conferences. It is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05527704, EudraCT 2020-003913-36; Protocol version 5.0 from 04/01/2022.

Effect of Clinical Pathway on Nurses' Performance and Neonates Outcomes regarding Noninvasive Continous Positive Airway Pressure

Noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure is a means of providingrespiratory support to neonates vulnerable to respiratory problem and complications. Clinicalpathway provide detailed guidance for each stage in the management of neonates with a specificcondition over a given time period and include progress and outcomes details

Lack of Benefit of High Flow Nasal Oxygen Therapy as Ceiling of Treatment for Severe COVID-19 Pneumonitis in Elderly Frail Patients: A Single Centre Observational Study

Background: Severe COVID-19 pneumonitis in elderly frail patients is associated with poor outcomes, and therefore invasive mechanical ventilation is often deemed an inappropriate course of action. Some evidence suggests high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) may prevent the need for invasive ventilation in other groups of patients, but whether it is an appropriate ceiling of care for older frail patients is unknown. Methods: We retrospectively identified patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonitis requiring FiO2&gt;60% who were deemed inappropriate for invasive ventilation or non-invasive continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (CPAP). Our local protocol based on national guidance suggested these patients should be considered for HFNO. We observed whether the patients received HFNO or standard oxygen therapy (SOT) and compared mortality and survival time in these groups. Results: We identified 81 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. From this group, 24 received HFNO and 57 received SOT. The HFNO group was similar in age, BMI and co-morbidities to the SOT group but less frail, as determined by the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS). All 24 patients that received HFNO died in comparison to 46 patients (80.7%) in the SOT group. Mortality in the HFNO group was significantly higher than in the SOT group. Conclusion: Elderly frail patients with severe COVID-19 pneumonitis deemed inappropriate for invasive ventilation and did not benefit from HFNO. Further, HFNO may have been associated with harm in this group.

Long term noninvasive ventilation and continuous positive airway pressure in children with neuromuscular diseases in France

The aim of the study was to describe the characteristics of children with neuromuscular diseases treated with long term noninvasive ventilation or continuous positive airway pressure in France. On June 1st 2019, 387 patients (63% boys, mean age 11.2 ± 5.5 years) were treated with long term noninvasive ventilation/continuous positive airway pressure. Thirty three percent of patients had spinal muscular atrophy, 30% congenital myopathy/dystrophy, 20% Duchenne muscular dystrophy, 7% Steinert myotonic dystrophy, and 9% other neuromuscular diseases. Ninety-four percent of patients were treated with long term noninvasive ventilation and 6% with continuous positive airway pressure. Treatment was initiated electively for 85% of patients, mainly on an abnormal overnight gas exchange recording (38% of patients). Noninvasive ventilation/continuous positive airway pressure was initiated during a respiratory exacerbation in 15% of patients. Mean duration of noninvasive ventilation/continuous positive airway pressure was 3.3 ± 3.1 years. Mean objective long term noninvasive ventilation/continuous positive airway pressure use was 8.0 ± 3.1 h/24. Spinal muscular atrophy, congenital myopathy/dystrophy, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy represented 83% of children with neuromuscular diseases treated with long term noninvasive ventilation in France. Screening for nocturnal hypoventilation was satisfactory as noninvasive ventilation /continuous positive airway pressure was predominantly initiated electively.

Prophylactic Postoperative Noninvasive Ventilation in Adults Undergoing Upper Abdominal Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Postoperative pulmonary complications (PPCs) are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality following upper abdominal surgery. Applying either noninvasive ventilation (NIV) or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the early postoperative period is suggested to prevent PPC. We aimed to assess whether postoperative NIV or CPAP or both prevent PPCs compared with standard care in adults undergoing upper abdominal surgery, including in those identified at higher PPC risk. Additionally, the different interventions used were evaluated to assess whether there is a superior approach. We searched PubMed, Embase' CINAHL, CENTRAL, and Scopus from inception to May 17, 2021. We performed a systematic search of the literature for randomized controlled trials evaluating prophylactic NIV and/or CPAP in the postoperative period. Two authors independently performed study selection and data extraction. Individual study risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale, and certainty in outcomes was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation framework. We included 17 studies enrolling 6,108 patients. No significant benefit was demonstrated for postoperative NIV/CPAP to reduce PPC (risk ratio [RR], 0.89; 95% CI, 0.78-1.01; very low certainty), including in adults identified at higher PPC risk (RR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.77-1.07; very low certainty). No intervention approach was identified as superior, and no significant benefit was demonstrated when comparing: 1) CPAP (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.79-1.04; very low certainty), 2) NIV (RR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.41-1.13; very low certainty), 3) continuous NIV/CPAP (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77-1.05; very low certainty), or 4) intermittent NIV/CPAP (RR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.39-1.10; very low certainty) to standard care. These findings suggest routine provision of either prophylactic NIV or CPAP following upper abdominal surgery may not be effective to reduce PPCs' including in those identified at higher risk.