Respiratory Support In Preterm Infants Research Articles

Non-invasive High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation as Initial Respiratory Support for Preterm Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and feasibility of nHFOV as initial respiratory support in preterm infants with RDS.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 244 premature infants with RDS who were treated in our hospital from January 2016 to January 2019 and divided into the nHFOV group (n = 115) and the BiPAP group (n = 129) based on the initial respiratory support method.Results: Respiratory outcomes showed that the rate of NIV failure during the first 72 hours of life in the nHFOV group was significantly lower than that in the BiPAP group. The time of NIV in the nHFOV group was significantly shorter than that in the BiPAP group. The time of supplemental oxygen in the nHFOV group was significantly shorter than that in the BiPAP group. The incidence of air leakage syndrome in the nHFOV group was significantly lower than that in the BiPAP group, and the length of hospital stay of the nHFOV group was also significantly shorter than that in the BiPAP group. Although the rate of infants diagnosed with BPD was similar between the two groups, the rate of severe BPD in the nHFOV group was significantly lower than that in the BiPAP group.Conclusion: This study showed that nHFOV as initial respiratory support for preterm infants with RDS was feasible and safe compared to BiPAP. Furthermore, nHFOV can reduce the need for IMV and reduce the incidence of severe BPD and air leak syndrome.

Efficacy of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure versus Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula as a Primary Mode of Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants with RDS

Objective: To determine the efficacy of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) versus heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) as a primary mode of respiratory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress. Methodology: This randomized controlled trial study was conducted at in-patient department of neonatology (Nursery & NICU) of Pakistan Insitute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from July 2020 to Dec 2020. A total of 280 neonates randomly divided (140 in each study group) of both genders, with gestational age between 28-34 weeks and having mild-to-moderate respiratory distress within 1st 6 hours of birth requiring non-invasive ventilation were enrolled. Neonates in NCPAP Group (n=140) were given NCPAP whereas neonates in HHHFNC Group (n=140) were given HHHFNC. The efficacy of both groups were compared on the basis of treatment failure within 1st 3 days, total duration (hours) of non-invasive ventilator (NIV) required and total duration (hours) of supplementary oxygen required. Results: Overall, mean gestational age was noted to be 30.0+6.4 weeks. There were 144 (51.4%) neonates with birth weight between 1 to 1.4 kg, 90 (32.1%) between 1.5 to 1.9 kg and 46 (16.4%0 between 2.0 to 2.4 kg. Treatment failure was noted in 67 (47.6%) neonates in NCAP group while HHHFNC group reported 73 (52.4%) neonates with treatment failure (p=0.4733). No significant difference was observed in mean total duration of NIV support required (p=0.2598) or mean total duration of supplementary oxygen (p=0.1946) in between study groups. Conclusion: HHHFNC had similar efficacy when compared to NCPAP among neonates with RDS. In comparison to NCPAP, HHHFNC could be a simple, well-tolerated and effective alternative in terms of respiratory support. No major difference in terms of complication was observed between both treatment approaches.

Non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants as primary mode: a network meta-analysis

Non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants as primary mode: a network meta-analysis

Mortality and morbidity in preterm infants with congenital heart disease.

To compare in-hospital mortality and rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, IVH and length of invasive respiratory support in preterm infants <36weeks' gestation with congenital heart disease (CHD) to matched preterm infants without CHD in a single London centre over 13-year period. Single-centre retrospective case-control study over the 13-year period from May 2004 to May 2017. Two hundred forty-seven preterm infants with CHD were matched to 494 infants without CHD. Patients with CHD had a significantly increased risk of in-hospital mortality compared to controls (OR 7.39 (95% CI 4.37-12.5); p<0.001). Preterm infants with CHD had a higher risk of NEC (OR 2.42 (95% CI 1.32-4.45); p=0.005), sepsis (OR 1.68 (95% CI 1.23-2.28); p=0.001) and invasive respiratory support ≥28days (OR 2.34 (95% CI 1.19-4.58); p=0.017). Risk of IVH was lower in preterm infants with CHD (OR 0.22 (95% CI 0.11-0.42); p=0.0001). Preterm birth with CHD is associated with a higher risk of in-hospital mortality, NEC, sepsis and prolonged invasive respiratory support, but a lower risk of IVH compared to matched controls. In-hospital mortality remains high in moderate-to-late preterm infants with CHD.

CPAP-induced airway hyper-reactivity in mice is modulated by hyaluronan synthase-3.

Background:Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is a primary mode of respiratory support for preterm infants. Animal studies have shown long-term detrimental effects on lung/airway development, particularly airway (AW) hyper-reactivity, as an unfortunate consequence of neonatal CPAP. Since the hyaluronan (HA) synthesizing enzyme hyaluronan synthase-3 (HAS3) is involved in various adult pulmonary disorders, the present study used a neonatal mouse model to investigate the role of HAS3 in CPAP-induced AW hyper-reactivity.Methods:Male and female neonatal mice were fitted with a custom-made mask for delivery of daily CPAP 3 h/day for 7 days. At postnatal day 21 (two weeks after CPAP ended), airway (AW) hyper-reactivity and HAS3 expression were assessed with and without in vitro HAS3 siRNA treatment.Results:MRIs of 3-day-old mice confirmed that CPAP increased lung volume with incrementing inflation pressures. CPAP increased AW reactivity in both male and female mice, which was associated with increased airway smooth muscle and epithelial HAS3 immunoreactivity. CPAP did not affect HA accumulation, but HAS3 siRNA reversed CPAP-induced AW hyper-reactivity and reduced HAS3 expression.Conclusions:These data in mice implicate a role for HAS3 in long-term effects of CPAP in the developing airway in the context of preterm birth and CPAP therapy.

14 Diaphragmatic Electrical Activity in Preterm Infants on Non-Invasive High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation (DEAP-NHFO Study)

Abstract Primary Subject area Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine Background Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) is a common form of non-invasive respiratory support for preterm infants. Non-invasive high frequency ventilation (NHFOV) is a relatively new method of non-invasive respiratory support. NHFOV is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice in an attempt to prevent intubation and minimize ventilator-induced lung injury in preterm infants. Preliminary studies suggest superiority of NHFOV over CPAP, but little is known about its mechanism of action and its effect on respiratory control in the newborn. We hypothesize that NHFOV reduces respiratory drive and improves ventilation, resulting in decreased patient diaphragm energy expenditure, which can be assessed by measuring the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi). Objectives The objective of this study is to compare the effects of non-invasive respiratory support delivered by nasal CPAP versus NHFOV on respiratory pattern, as assessed by the Edi in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. Design/Methods In a prospective, randomized, crossover study, 20 preterm infants with birth weights ≤1500 g requiring CPAP were randomized to either NHFOV or CPAP for 105 min, followed by crossover to the other method for the same duration. Edi was continuously measured by a feeding catheter with miniaturized sensors embedded in its wall (Maquet, Solna). The general sequence was 15 minutes for acclimation to the mode, 75 minutes for a feed to be completed, followed by 15 minutes for breath-by-breath analyses of neural breathing pattern. Primary outcome was difference in the peak Edi between CPAP and NHFOV. Secondary outcomes included difference in other measures of respiratory drive: neural respiratory rate, neural inspiratory time, diaphragm energy expenditure, transcutaneous pCO2, number of apnea episodes on the Edi, and episodes of clinically significant apnea. Results No significant differences in Edi timing, Edi min, Edi peak, apnea, or CO2 were observed between the two modes of respiratory support. Conclusion In this cohort of VLBW preterm infants, neural respiratory pattern was not significantly different between NHFOV and CPAP. With this baseline information in stable preterm infants, it would now be important to assess whether these results hold true in infants with more severe lung disease, where NHFOV is often used as escalating support from CPAP.

Post-extubation use of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants: a network meta-analysis

Post-extubation use of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants: a network meta-analysis

A study of heated, humidified high flow nasal cannula as an initial respiratory support in preterm neonates

Abstract Background There is an increased use of heated, humidified, high-flow nasal cannula (HHFNC) as a non-invasive respiratory support. Yet, there are limited data that compares it with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) as regard the efficacy &amp; outcome when used for initial treatment in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) shortly postnatal. Method A prospective study conducted aiming to evaluate the effectiveness &amp; outcome of HHFNC compared to nCPAP for the treatment of preterm infants with RDS. Preterms &amp;lt; 35 weeks of gestational age with symptoms and signs of RDS early after birth were randomized to HHFNC or nCPAP. Primary outcome was the incidence of treatment failure (defined as need for upgrading to noninvasive positive pressure ventilation or invasive ventilation). Results Analysis of the randomly allocated infants to HHFNC and nCPAP showed no significant difference in treatment failure (P &amp;gt; 0.05). There was also no significant difference (P &amp;gt; 0.05) among groups as regard mortality, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, incidence of interventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Conclusion This indicates that HHFNC may be used as an equally effective and safe method of non-invasive ventilation when compared to nCPAP for initial respiratory support in preterm infants with respiratory distress.

Changes in Use of Respiratory Support for Preterm Infants in the US, 2008-2018

In preterm infants, mechanical ventilation (MV) is associated with adverse pulmonary and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Multiple randomized clinical trials over the past 2 decades have shown the effectiveness of early noninvasive ventilation (NIV) in decreasing the use of MV in preterm infants. The epidemiologic factors associated with respiratory support in US preterm infants and any temporal changes after these trials is unknown. To evaluate temporal changes in MV and noninvasive respiratory support in US preterm infants. In a cohort design, 2 large national data sets (Pediatrix Clinical Data Warehouse for the clinical cohort and National Inpatient Sample for the national cohort) were used to collect data on preterm infants (<35 weeks' gestation) without congenital anomalies who received active intensive care and were discharged home or died in the birth hospital from January 1, 2008, to December 31, 2018. Data analysis was conducted from December 10, 2019, to December 16, 2020. Discharge year. In the clinical cohort, detailed respiratory support data were generated, including days of MV and NIV modalities, and temporal trends were evaluated using multivariable modified Poisson or negative binomial regression models with discharge year as a continuous variable. In the national cohort, observed and expected national MV use were calculated. Among 259 311 infants (47.2% female) in 359 neonatal intensive care units in the clinical cohort, decreases were noted in the use (from 29.4% of infants in 2008 to 18.5% in 2018, relative risk for annual change, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.95-0.96) and duration (mean days, from 10.3 in 2008 to 9.7 in 2018; rate ratio for annual change, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97-0.98) of MV. Noninvasive ventilation use increased from 57.9% of infants in 2008 to 67.4% in 2018 (adjusted relative risk for annual change, 1.02; 95% CI, 1.02-1.03), and mean NIV duration increased by 3.2 days (95% CI, 2.9-3.6 days). With increased use of continuous positive airway pressure and nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation as the main factors in the increase, the mean duration of respiratory support increased from 13.8 to 15.4 days (adjusted rate ratio for annual change, 1.03; 95% CI, 1.02-1.04) from 2008 to 2018. Among 1 169 441 infants in the national cohort, MV use decreased from 22.0% in 2008 to 18.5% in 2018, with an estimated 29 700 fewer ventilated infants and 142 000 fewer days of MV than expected during this period. These findings suggest that preterm respiratory support changed significantly from 2008 to 2018, with decreased use and duration of MV, increased use and duration of NIV, and an overall increase in respiratory support duration.

Short-term effects of synchronized vs. non-synchronized NIPPV in preterm infants: study protocol for an unmasked randomized crossover trial

BackgroundNon-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been recommended as the best respiratory support for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). However, the best NIV technique to be used as first intention in RDS management has not yet been established.Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may be synchronized (SNIPPV) or non-synchronized to the infant’s breathing efforts.The aim of the study is to evaluate the short-term effects of SNIPPV vs. NIPPV on the cardiorespiratory events, trying to identify the best ventilation modality for preterm infants at their first approach to NIV ventilation support.MethodsAn unmasked randomized crossover study with three treatment phases was designed. All newborn infants < 32 weeks of gestational age with RDS needing NIV ventilation as first intention or after extubation will be consecutively enrolled in the study and randomized to the NIPPV or SNIPPV arm. After stabilization, enrolled patients will be alternatively ventilated with two different techniques for two time frames of 4 h each. NIPPV and SNIPPV will be administered with the same ventilator and the same interface, maintaining continuous assisted ventilation without patient discomfort.During the whole duration of the study, the patient’s cardiorespiratory data and data from the ventilator will be simultaneously recorded using a polygraph connected to a computer.The primary outcome is the frequency of episodes of oxygen desaturation. Secondary outcomes are the number of the cardiorespiratory events, FiO2 necessity, newborn pain score evaluation, synchronization index, and thoracoabdominal asynchrony. The calculated sample size was of 30 patients.DiscussionIt is known that NIPPV produces a percentage of ineffective acts due to asynchronies between the ventilator and the infant’s breaths. On the other hand, an ineffective synchronization could increase work of breathing. Our hypothesis is that an efficient synchronization could reduce the respiratory work and increase the volume per minute exchanged without interfering with the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient with RDS. The results of this study will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of the synchronization, demonstrating whether SNIPPV is the most effective non-invasive ventilation mode in preterm infants with RDS at their first approach to NIV ventilation.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03289936. Registered on September 21, 2017.

Systematic review of high-flow nasal cannula versus continuous positive airway pressure for primary support in preterm infants

IntroductionWe conducted a meta-analysis of trials that compared efficacy and safety of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as primary respiratory support in preterm infants and...

Nasal HFOV versus nasal IPPV as a post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants-a randomised controlled trial.

Early and successful extubation prevents several morbidities in preterm newborns. Several secondary non-invasive respiratory modalities exist but with their merits and demerits. Given the benefits of nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV), we tried to examine whether nHFOV could reduce reintubation rates compared to nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) during the post-extubation phase in preterm infants. Stratified randomisation based on gestational age was done for 86 mechanically ventilated preterm infants between 26 and 36+6 weeks of gestation within 2 weeks of age to receive either nHFOV or NIPPV post-extubation. The main objective was to compare extubation failure within 72 h following extubation and secondarily feed intolerance, intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (> grade 3), composite bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)/mortality, composite duration of oxygen supplementation/ventilation support and SpO2/FiO2 ratio. No statistical difference was noted for primary outcome (RR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.23 to 2.78; p = 1.00) and secondary outcomes. However, nHFOV appeared possibly better in respect to feed tolerance rates and pCO2 washout.Conclusion: Extubation failure within 72 h in infants less than 37 weeks of gestation did not differ between the two groups. However, nHFOV seems promising in reducing enteral feeding issues and pCO2 elimination. Larger multicentre studies are required for exploring benefits of nHFOV.Trial registration: www.ctri.nic.in id CTRI/2019/07/020055, registration date July 5, 2019 What is Known:• NIPPV is superior to nCPAP as a secondary mode of respiratory support.• Synchronisation is preferred for optimum ventilation.What is New:• nHFOV, a novel non-invasive respiratory modality without need for synchronisation, appears promising as a secondary mode subject to further trials.• It seems promising in reducing enteral feeding issues and pCO2 elimination.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00431-021-04084-1.

Randomised controlled trial of high-flow nasal cannula in preterm infants after extubation.

HFNC therapy is increasingly used as ‘non-invasive’ respiratory support for preterm infants. A 2016 Cochrane Review found that HFNC had similar efficacy to NCPAP for preterm infants following extubation,1 but that further studies were needed, particularly in extremely preterm infants born <28 weeks' gestation, who are at highest risk of extubation failure. The trial by Uchiyama et al is the largest randomised trial of HFNC as post-extubation support in preterm infants, and one of only a few to enrol extremely preterm infants (168 infants enrolled; 76 HFNC, 92 NCPAP/NIPPV). This multicentre non-inferiority trial found NCPAP/NIPPV was superior to HFNC (and HFNC did not satisfy non-inferiority criteria) for the primary outcome of treatment failure within 7 days. Reintubation rates were similar; more than 80% of infants who met HFNC treatment failure criteria avoided reintubation due to crossover to NCPAP/NIPPV. Like previous similar trials2-4 the intervention was not blinded, although objective treatment failure criteria were used. In the NCPAP/NIPPV group, 149 infants received NCPAP and 47 received NIPPV at extubation. In both groups, the escalation of respiratory support was at clinician discretion. As the control group could receive either NCPAP or NIPPV, the definition of ‘treatment failure’ is blurred: some infants received NIPPV before ‘treatment failure’ and others did not. It is not reported whether NIPPV inflations were synchronised with the infant's breathing or not, which may be important.5 A non-inferiority trial design is reasonable given the existing evidence, although the sample size calculation assumed a HFNC treatment failure rate 9% higher than that of NCPAP/NIPPV, and the chosen non-inferiority margin was rather large. There is an imbalance in the allocation of infants to HFNC (47%) and NCPAP/NIPPV (53%). A total of 378 infants were ultimately recruited to the study (38 more than required, even with inflation for anticipated dropouts); however this represents only 33% of eligible infants, which has implications for generalisability of the results. The use of respiratory stimulants prior to extubation is not reported. The trial was prospectively registered; however, there are inconsistencies between the registration and the published trial in the stated sample size, comparator and primary outcome. The starting HFNC gas flow was >2 L/min, lower than some previous studies,3, 4 and it is unclear whether infants received the maximal permitted gas flow of 8 L/min prior to treatment failure being determined. As increasing gas flow is associated with increased delivered pressure,6 this may have contributed to decreased efficacy in the HFNC group. Extubation failure in preterm infants is an important concern for neonatal clinicians, and the optimal mode of post-extubation respiratory support remains uncertain. The results of the trial by Uchiyama et al may tip the balance in favour of NCPAP/NIPPV as initial post-extubation support; however, consistent with previous evidence, reintubation rates are similar when HFNC is used with the ‘backup’ of NCPAP/NIPPV. For the most immature infants at highest risk of extubation failure, it seems prudent to avoid using HFNC as initial post-extubation support. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. https://ebneo.org/HFNC-after-extubation

Risk factors for treatment failure of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula as initial respiratory support for preterm infants.

To study the risk factors for treatment failure of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) as initial respiratory support for preterm infants. A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data of the preterm infants who were admitted from January 2018 to April 2021 and received HHHFNC for initial respiratory support after birth. According to whether it was necessary to upgrade to noninvasive continuous positive airway pressure or invasive mechanical ventilation within 72 hours after treatment, they were divided into a failure group and a success group. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to determine the risk factors for failure of HHHFNC as initial respiratory support. A total of 166 preterm infants were included, among whom 48 (28.9%) experienced the treatment failure of HHHNFC as initial respiratory support. The univariate analysis showed that compared with the success group with 118 infants, the failure group had significantly lower gestational age and birth weight and a significantly higher proportion of infants with fraction of inspired oxygen >35%, flow rate >6 L/minute, patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), or use of pulmonary surfactant (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that gestational age <32 weeks, PDA (>1.5 mm and left atrium/aorta diameter ratio >1.4), fraction of inspired oxygen >35%, flow rate >6 L/minute, and presence of RDS were risk factors for the treatment failure of HHHNFC as initial respiratory support (P<0.05). The preterm infants with a gestational age of <32 weeks or the presence of RDS tend to have a high risk of failure of HHHNFC as initial respiratory support. The risk of failure of HHHFNC as initial respiratory support increases in infants with oxygen concentration >35% and/or flow rate >6 L/minute, or the presence of PDA, suggesting an upgrade of respiratory support should be considered. Citation.

Guidelines for surfactant replacement therapy in neonates.

Surfactant replacement therapy (SRT) plays a pivotal role in the management of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) because it improves survival and reduces respiratory morbidities. With the increasing use of noninvasive ventilation as the primary mode of respiratory support for preterm infants at delivery, prophylactic surfactant is no longer beneficial. For infants with worsening RDS, early rescue surfactant should be provided. While the strategy to intubate, give surfactant, and extubate (INSURE) has been widely accepted in clinical practice, newer methods of noninvasive surfactant administration, using thin catheter, laryngeal mask airway, or nebulization, are being adopted or investigated. Use of SRT as an adjunct for conditions other than RDS, such as meconium aspiration syndrome, may be effective based on limited evidence.

Transcutaneous monitoring of diaphragm activity as a measure of work of breathing in preterm infants.

ObjectiveMonitoring work of breathing (WOB) is important to assess the pulmonary condition and adjust respiratory support in preterm infants. Conventional WOB measurement (esophageal pressure, tidal volume) is invasive and we hypothesized that monitoring diaphragm activity could be a noninvasive alternative to estimate WOB. The objective was to determine the correlation between conventional WOB measures and diaphragm activity, in preterm infants.MethodsWOB and diaphragm activity, measured with transcutaneous electromyography (dEMG), were simultaneously recorded at different nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) levels. During a 30‐s recording at each nCPAP level, dEMG parameters, inspiratory WOB (WOBi), and pressure time product (PTPin) were calculated per breath. The correlation coefficient between WOB‐ and dEMG‐measures was calculated using single breaths and after aggregating all breaths into deciles of incremental WOBi.ResultsFifteen preterm infants were included (median gestational age, 28 weeks). Single‐breath analysis showed a poor median correlation of 0.27 (interquartile range [IQR], 0.03 to 0.33) and 0.08 (IQR, −0.03 to 0.28), respectively, for WOBi and PTPin with peak diaphragmatic activity (dEMGpeak). A modest median correlation coefficient of 0.65 (IQR, 0.13 to 0.79) and 0.43 (IQR, −0.33 to 0.69) was found for, respectively, WOBi and PTPin with dEMGpeak in the aggregated analysis.ConclusionDiaphragm activity showed a modest correlation with WOBi and PTPin in an aggregated analysis. This finding warrants further studies in infants with more significant lung disease.

Non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation in preterm infants after extubation: a randomized, controlled trial.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effectiveness and safety of non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) in post-extubation preterm infants.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled trial. A total of 149 preterm infants aged between 25 to 34 weeks’ gestational age with a birth weight of <1500 g who required invasive mechanical ventilation on admission were included. After extubation, they were randomized to the NHFOV group (n = 47), nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) group (n = 51), or nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) group (n = 51). We compared the effectiveness and safety among these three groups.ResultsA total of 139 preterm infants finally completed the study. The reintubation rate was significantly lower in the NHFOV group than in the other groups. The duration of non-invasive ventilation and the length of hospital stay in the NHFOV and NIPPV groups were significantly shorter than those in the NCPAP group. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in the NHFOV and NIPPV groups was significantly lower than that in the NCPAP group. The NHFOV group had significantly less nasal injury than the NCPAP group.ConclusionAs post-extubation respiratory support in preterm infants, NHFOV has a lower reintubation rate compared with NCPAP and NIPPV, without increasing the rate of complications.

Comparison of four different non-invasive respiratory support techniques as primary respiratory support in preterm infants.

The use of non-invasive ventilation methods in neonatal intensive care units has been increasing in recent years. Non-invasive ventilation techniques are lung preserving methods and they reduce the risk of volutrauma, barotrauma, and atelectotrauma. The effect of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC), continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and nasal high-frequency oscillation ventilation (NHFOV) were compared in preterm infants with respiratory distress. Between December 2015 and February 2017, a total of 76 preterm infants (gestational age < 32 weeks) with respiratory distress were enrolled in this study. Of the patients, 20 received HHHFNC, while 20 received nasal CPAP (NCPAP), 19 received NIPPV, and 17 received NHFOV for respiratory support. The primary outcome was intubation requirement during non-invasive respiratory support. The secondary outcome included duration of non-invasive ventilation, air leak syndrome, abdominal distension, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), nasal injury, increased secretions, agitation, and mortality rate. The intubation ratio was higher in the NCPAP (40%) and NHFOV (29.4%) groups when compared with the NIPPV (10.5%) and HHHFNC (11.8%) groups. More nasal injury had developed in the NIPPV (78.9%) and NHFOV (82.4%) groups when compared with the NCPAP (40%) and HHHFNC (35%) groups. Moreover, the viscous secretion that blocked the cannulas was higher in NIPPV (78.9%) and NHFOV (76.5%) groups than NCPAP (25%) and HHHFNC (40%) groups. There were no significant differences in the duration of non-invasive ventilation methods, abdominal distension, NEC, air leak syndrome or mortality in the 4 groups. The NIPPV and HHHFNC methods can be useful as a primary mode of respiratory support for respiratory distress. However, doctors need to be careful with regard to the complications that may develop.

Regional ventilation characteristics during non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants

ObjectivesTo determine the regional ventilation characteristics during non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in stable preterm infants. The secondary aim was to explore the relationship between indicators of ventilation homogeneity and other clinical...

Heated Humidified High-Flow Nasal Cannula vs. Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure for Post-extubation Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

The objective of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of heated humidified high-flow nasal cannula (HHHFNC) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) for prevention of extubation failure in preterm infants. Preterm infants (gestation ≥28 weeks) were randomized to HHHFNC or nCPAP after extubation. Primary outcome was extubation failure within 72 h of extubation. A total of 128 preterm infants were randomized to receive either HHHFNC (n = 63) or nCPAP (n = 65) after extubation. The primary outcome of extubation failure within 72 h after extubation was not different between the two groups (HHHFNC, 22.2% vs. nCPAP, 18.5%, risk difference of 3.7% and 95% CI -10.3 to 17.6, p = 0.604). The incidence of nasal trauma was significantly lower in the HHHFNC group than in the nCPAP group 6.3% vs. 21.5%, p = 0.020. In our study, HHHFNC was as effective as nCPAP for prevention of extubation failure in preterm infants. Also, HHHFNC was associated with significantly less nasal trauma compared with nCPAP.