Surfactant and noninvasive ventilation

Prophylactic surfactant nebulisation for the early aeration of the preterm lung: a randomised clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

The effect of prophylactic surfactant nebulisation (SN) is unclear. We aimed to determine whether prophylactic SN improves early lung aeration.

DESIGN

Parallel, randomised clinical trial, conducted between March 2021 and January 2022.

SETTING

Delivery room (DR) of a tertiary neonatal centre in Zurich, Switzerland.

PATIENTS

Preterm infants between 26 ^0/7 and 31 ^6/7 weeks gestation INTERVENTIONS: Infants were randomised to receive positive distending pressure alone or positive distending pressure and additional SN (200 mg/kg; poractant alfa) using a customised vibrating membrane nebuliser. SN commenced with the first application of a face mask immediately after birth.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary outcome was the difference in end-expiratory lung impedance from birth to 30 min after birth (∆EELI_30min). EELI correlates well with functional residual capacity. Secondary outcomes included physiological and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

Data from 35 infants were collected, and primary outcome data were analysed from 32 infants (n=16/group). Primary outcome was not different between intervention and control group (median (IQR): 25 (7-62) vs 10 (0-26) AU/kg, p=0.21). ∆EELI was slightly higher in the intervention group at 6 and 12 hours after birth, particularly in the central areas of the lung. There were no differences in cardiorespiratory and clinical parameters. Two adverse events were noted in the intervention group.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic SN in the DR did not significantly affect ∆EELI_30min and showed only minimal effects on lung physiology. Prophylactic SN in the DR was feasible. There were no differences in clinical outcomes.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04315636.

Surfactant Nebulization to Prevent Intubation in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Surfactant nebulization (SN) may offer a safe alternative for surfactant administration in respiratory distress syndrome of preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy of SN for the prevention of early intubation.

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, The Cochrane Library, clinicaltrials.gov, published abstracts, and references of relevant articles were searched through March 23, 2021.

STUDY SELECTION

Randomized clinical trials of preterm infants <37 weeks' gestation comparing SN with noninvasive respiratory support or intratracheal surfactant application.

DATA EXTRACTION

Two reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias from included studies separately and blinded. Data were pooled by using a fixed-effects model. Subgroups (gestational age, type of nebulizer, surfactant type, and dosage) were evaluated. Primary outcome was intubation rate at 72 hours after birth.

RESULTS

Nine studies recruiting 1095 infants met inclusion criteria. SN compared with standard care significantly reduced intubation rate at 72 hours after birth (226 of 565 infants [40.0%] vs 231 of 434 infants [53.2%]; risk ratio [RR]: 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.84; number needed to treat: 8; 95% CI: 5-14]). Prespecified subgroup analysis identified important heterogeneity: SN was most effective in infants ≥28 weeks' gestation (RR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.60-0.82), with a pneumatically driven nebulizer (RR: 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.68) and in infants receiving ≥200 mg/kg and animal-derived surfactant (RR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.52-0.75). No differences in neonatal morbidities or mortality were identified.

LIMITATIONS

Quality of evidence was low owing to risk of bias and imprecision.

CONCLUSIONS

SN reduced the intubation rate in preterm infants with a higher efficacy for specific subgroups. There was no difference in relevant neonatal morbidities or mortality.

Non-invasive duo positive airway pressure ventilation versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

The most common cause of respiratory failure in premature infants is respiratory distress syndrome. Historically, respiratory distress syndrome has been treated by intratracheal surfactant injection followed by mechanical ventilation. In view of the risk of pulmonary injury associated with mechanical ventilation and subsequent chronic pulmonary lung disease, less invasive treatment modalities have been suggested to reduce pulmonary complications.

METHODS

148 neonates (with gestational age of 28 to 34 weeks) with respiratory distress syndrome admitted to Imam Khomeini Hospital in Ahwaz in 2018 were enrolled in this clinical trial study. 74 neonates were assigned to duo positive airway pressure (NDUOPAP) group and 74 neonates to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) group. The primary outcome in this study was failure of N-DUOPAP and NCPAP treatments within the first 72 h after birth and secondary outcomes included treatment complications.

RESULTS

there was not significant difference between DUOPAP (4.1 %) and NCPAP (8.1 %) in treatment failure at the first 72 h of birth (p = 0.494), but non-invasive ventilation time was less in the DUOPAP group (p = 0.004). There were not significant differences in the frequency of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), apnea and mortality between the two groups. Need for repeated doses of surfactant (p = 0.042) in the NDUOPAP group was significantly lower than that of the NCPAP group. The duration of oxygen therapy in the NDUOPAP group was significantly lower than that of the NCPAP group (p = 0.034). Also, the duration of hospitalization in the NDUOPAP group was shorter than that of the NCPAP group (p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

In the present study, DUOPAP compared to NCPAP did not reduce the need for mechanical ventilation during the first 72 h of birth, but the duration of non-invasive ventilation and oxygen demand, the need for multiple doses of surfactant and length of stay in the DUOPAP group were less than those in the CPAP group.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

IRCT20180821040847N1 , Approved on 2018-09-10.

Does surfactant nebulization prevent early intubation in preterm infants? A protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the most common cause of respiratory failure in preterm infants. Treatment consists of respiratory support and exogenous surfactant administration. Commonly, surfactant is administered intratracheally. However, this requires airway instrumentation and subsequent fluid instillation which may be harmful. Surfactant nebulization (SN) may offer a safe and effective alternative for surfactant administration, but the clinical efficacy is not yet established. Thus, this systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials will summarize the available evidence to determine the effectiveness and safety of SN for the prevention of intubation and subsequent mechanical ventilation at 72 h after birth.

METHODS

A systematic literature search in Medline, Embase, and The Cochrane Library will be performed, and all randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs from published articles, presentations, and trial registries will be included in this meta-analysis. Titles and abstracts of all records identified in the search will be screened by two reviewers independently. Data on preterm infants (≤ 37 weeks) receiving nebulized surfactant in the first 72 h after birth for the treatment or prevention of RDS will be evaluated. Primary outcome is the intubation rate by 72 h after birth, and secondary outcomes include peridosing safety effects as well as major neonatal morbidities. Risk of bias will be assessed using the revised Cochrane ROB tool, and subgroup analyses will be performed to evaluate potential confounding factors. Publication bias will be assessed by examining a funnel plot. The meta-analysis will be performed using a fixed-effects model.

DISCUSSION

This review will provide an evidence-based tool for information about surfactant nebulization, illustrating the current knowledge and hopefully revealing potential novel avenues for researchers and clinicians alike.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION

This review is registered with the publicly available resource PROSPERO ( CRD42020175625 ).

Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy: An Analytical Report of Our Prospective Dubai Cohort

Introduction: Type 2 pneumocytes of the respiratory epithelium secrete the endogenous surfactant, a detergent-like substance that lines the alveolar sacs of the lungs. The surfactant facilitates the gas exchange process across the alveolar membrane by preventing the collapse of the alveoli and thereby maintaining their distended state. Respiratory distress syndrome of the premature neonates is characterized by quantitative and/or qualitative defects of endogenous surfactant metabolic pathways. The advent of exogenous surfactant therapy is rightly hailed as the major milestone in advancement of the care of the babies with surfactant-deficient lung disease. The administration of exogenous surfactant traditionally involves endotracheal intubation and mechanical ventilation. Minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) is the technique of delivering surfactant without intubation whilst continuing the baby on noninvasive respiratory support. This author introduced MIST as the default way of administering surfactant in his neonatal units in Dubai and has to his credit the first published report on MIST from the United Arab Emirates in this journal in 2018. 

Objective: To analyze prospectively all our babies in Dubai who received surfactant by MIST.

Design: Prospective descriptive study of all babies receiving surfactant by MIST starting from January 2018.

Setting: Three tertiary care neonatal centers in Dubai.

Patients and methods: Thirteen babies (gestation 27-36 weeks and birth weight 0.95-2.81 kg) were treated with MIST on 15 occasions. Catheterization techniques were by infant feeding tube in 10 babies, LISA (less invasive surfactant administration) catheter in one baby, and 2.0 size endotracheal tube (ETT) with surfactant filled syringe directly attached to its hub two times each in two babies. Curosurf the porcine surfactant at 200 mg/kg was used on nine occasions and Survanta the bovine surfactant at 4 mL/kg on six occasions.

Main outcome measures: MIST success defined as the baby not needing intubation and ventilation within 72 hours post MIST. Outcome measures with respect to the different modalities of MIST procedure and surfactant preparations used in this prospective cohort.

Results: Only one of the 13 babies (7.7%) in this cohort needed escalation of support with mechanical ventilation and high frequency oscillation (HFO). MIST using semi-rigid catheters like the LISA catheter or the smallest size ETT was technically easier to perform. No differences were observed with regard to the surfactant preparation used. None had an abnormal neurosonogram and there were no instances of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis either. The baby that had an unsuccessful MIST had retinopathy of prematurity that was effectively treated with Laser post discharge from neonatal unit. All the babies in this cohort had age appropriate developmental milestones on subsequent follow up visits ranging from three months to two years.

Conclusions: MIST can be easily mastered and adapted in our neonatal units. MIST by any of the three variations of techniques as described in our cohort at FiO2 thresholds not exceeding 0.4 results in quicker resolution of the surfactant deficient lung disease, reduces the oxygen days in these babies and perhaps thereby insures intact survival of these babies.

Less invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome-an updated meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) seems to have a good application prospect both in experimental models and patients with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Data regarding the effect of LISA procedure on RDS are conflicting.

METHODS

A search was conducted by two investigators involved in this research in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane databases for studies in English and in Wanfang, VIP, and Cnki databases for Chinese studies (all last launched on December 18, 2018). Odds ratio and weighted mean difference were calculated using a random-effects or fixed-effects model, depending on the data type and heterogeneity of the included studies.

RESULTS

The comparison of effectiveness on RDS: (1) with respect to mechanical ventilation (<72 hours) and mechanical ventilation (all time periods). Data showed significant differences between LISA/control groups. (2) With respect to days of mechanical ventilation, data showed no significant differences between LISA/control groups. (3) With respect to bronchopulmonary dysplasia, the analysis showed that there was significant difference between LISA group and control group. (4) Regarding days of supplementary oxygen therapy and hospital stay, no significant differences were found. The comparison of possible complications of RDS: (1) data for mortality, pneumothorax and pulmonary hemorrhage showed no differences in the two groups. (2) Data for retinopathy of preterm comparison showed significant difference between the two groups. (3) Regarding intraventricular hemorrhage/periventricular leukomalacia, significant differences were found between the two groups.

CONCLUSION

Based on the above evidences, LISA is an effective and safe treatment for preterm infants with RDS.

Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy Using a 2.0 mm Uncuffed Endotracheal Tube as the Conduit: An Easily Adaptable Technique

Minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) is the accepted way of surfactant administration in Europe, and in 2018, we reported its successful outcome with three babies in Dubai. Although this procedure minimizes the barotrauma associated with intubation for surfactants, threading the fine infant-feeding tube is perceived to be technically difficult. Semi-rigid catheters like the angiocath and the less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) catheter simplify the procedure. We have used successfully the smallest size of endotracheal tube available (2.0 mm) as a surrogate LISA catheter in our neonatal unit in Dubai. We present herein the simplicity and ease of this procedure versus the conventional LISA or MIST technique.

To compare nasal mask with binasal prongs in delivering continuous positive airway pressure for reducing need of invasive ventilation: randomized controlled trial

AIMS

To compare nasal mask with binasal prongs in delivering bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for reducing need of invasive ventilation in VLBW infants: randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

In this randomized control trial 178 infants were enrolled, 90 were randomized to nasal mask group and 88 to nasal prong group for delivering bubble CPAP. Preterm neonates between 26 and 32 weeks of gestational age requiring CPAP for respiratory distress within 6 h of life were assessed for eligibility and were included if neonates had spontaneous respiratory efforts with respiratory distress in the form of tachypnea (respiratory rate >60/min), intercostal/subcostal retractions, grunting (audible with/without stethoscope), Silverman Anderson score ≥3, increased respiratory efforts or cyanosis. Infants received either nasal mask or binasal prongs for delivery of bubble CPAP. The primary outcome was the need for mechanical ventilation in first 72 h of life.

RESULTS

Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. There was significant reduction in incidence of CPAP failure [15 (16.6%) versus 26 (29.5%); RR 0.47 (95% CI 0.23-0.97), p = .04]; nasal trauma (any grade) [14 (15.9%) versus 38 (43.2%); RR 0.26 (95% CI 0.12-0.52), p = .0002]; nasal trauma grade I [12 (13.3%) versus 23 (26.1%); RR 0.43 (95% CI 0.20-0.94), p = .03]; nasal trauma grade II [1 (1.1%) versus 10 (11.3%); RR 0.08 (95% CI 0.01-0.70), p = .02]; nasal trauma severe grade (II and III) [2 (2.2%) versus 15 (17.0%);RR 0.11 (95% CI 0.02-0.49), p = .004] and bronchopulmonary dysplasia [4 (4.4%) versus 12 (13.6%); RR 0.30 (95% CI 0.10-0.95), p = .04] in nasal mask group when compared to nasal prong group.

CONCLUSION

Nasal mask leads to significant reduction in need for mechanical ventilation in initial 72 h.

Rheologically Essential Surfactant Proteins of the CSF Interacting with Periventricular White Matter Changes in Hydrocephalus Patients - Implications for CSF Dynamics and the Glymphatic System

Surfactant proteins (SP) are multi-systemic proteins playing crucial roles in the regulation of rheological properties of physiological fluids, host defense, and the clearance of potentially harmful metabolites. Hydrocephalus patients suffer from disturbed central nervous system (CNS) fluid homeostasis and exhibit remarkably altered SP concentrations within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). A connection between CSF-SPs, CSF flow, and ventricular dilatation, a morphological hallmark of hydrocephalus, has been reported previously. However, currently there are no studies investigating the link between rheologically active SPs and periventricular white matter changes caused by impaired CSF microcirculation in hydrocephalic conditions. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess their possible relationships. The present study included 47 individuals (27 healthy subjects and 20 hydrocephalus patients). CSF specimens were analyzed for concentrations of SP-A, SP-C, and SP-D by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Axial T2w turbo inversion recovery magnitude (TIRM) magnetic resonance imaging was employed in all cases. Using a custom-made MATLAB-based tool for quantification of magnetic resonance signal intensities in the brain, parameters related to disturbed deep white matter CSF microcirculation were estimated (TIRM signal intensity (SI)-mean, minimum, maximum, median, mode, standard deviation, and percentiles, p10th, p25th, p75th, p90th, as well as kurtosis, skewness, and entropy of the SI distribution). Subsequently, statistical analysis was performed (IBM SPSS 24™) to identify differences between hydrocephalic patients and healthy individuals and to further investigate the connections between CSF-SP changes and deep white matter signal intensities. SP-A (0.38 ± 0.23 vs. 0.76 ± 0.49 ng/ml) and SP-C (0.54 ± 0.28 vs. 1.27 ± 1.09 ng/ml) differed between healthy controls and hydrocephalus patients in a statistically significant manner. Also, corresponding quantification of white matter signal intensities revealed statistically significant differences between hydrocephalus patients and healthy individuals: SImean (370.41 ± 188.15 vs. 222.27 ± 99.86, p = 0.001), SImax (1115.30 ± 700.12 vs. 617.00 ± 459.34, p = 0.005), SImedian (321.40 ± 153.17 vs. 209.52 ± 84.86, p = 0.001), SImode (276.55 ± 125.63 vs. 197.26 ± 78.51, p = 0.011), SIstd (157.09 ± 110.07 vs. 81.71 ± 64.94, p = 0.005), SIp10 (229.10 ± 104.22 vs. 140.00 ± 63.12, p = 0.001), SIp25 (266.95 ± 122.62 vs. 175.63 ± 71.42, p = 0.002), SIp75 (428.80 ± 226.88 vs. 252.19 ± 110.91, p = 0.001), SIp90 (596.47 ± 345.61 vs. 322.06 ± 176.00, p = 0.001), skewness (1.19 ± 0.68 vs. 0.43 ± 1.19, p = 0.014), and entropy (5.36 ± 0.37 vs. 4.92 ± 0.51, p = 0.002). There were no differences regarding SP-D levels in hydrocephalus patients vs. healthy controls. In the acute hydrocephalic subgroup, correlations were as follows: SP-A showed a statistically significant correlation with SImax (r = 0.670, p = 0.024), SIstd (r = 0.697, p = 0.017), SIp90 (r = 0.621, p = 0.041), and inverse correlation with entropy (r = - 0.700, p = 0.016). SP-C correlated inversely with entropy (r = - 0.686, p = 0.020). For the chronic hydrocephalus subgroup, the following correlations were identified: SP-A correlated with kurtosis of the TIRM histogram (r = - 0.746, p = 0.021). SP-C correlated with SImean (r = - 0.688, p = 0.041), SImax (r = - 0.741, p = 0.022), SImedian (r = - 0.716, p = 0.030), SImode (r = - 0.765, p = 0.016), SIstd (r = - 0.671, p = 0.048), SIp25 (r = - 0.740, p = 0.023), SIp75 (r = - 0.672, p = 0.048), and SIp90 (r = - 0.667, p = 0.050). SP-D apparently does not play a major role in CSF fluid physiology. SP-A and SP-C are involved in different aspects of CNS fluid physiology. SP-A appears to play an essential compensatory role in acute hydrocephalus and seems less involved in chronic hydrocephalus. In contrary, SP-C profile and white matter changes are remarkably connected in CSF of chronic hydrocephalus patients. Considering the association between CSF flow phenomena, white matter changes, and SP-C profiles, the latter may especially contribute to the regulation of paravascular glymphatic physiology.

Noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation versus nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome: a randomized controlled trial

Background: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is one of the main causes of mortality in premature neonates. Treatment of these neonates with invasive mechanical ventilation has side effects such as chronic pulmonary diseases. Noninvasive ventilation, such as nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and nasal high-frequency oscillation ventilation (NHFOV), has shown to reduce the burden of chronic lung disease. NHFOV is a promising new mode of noninvasive ventilation and may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and reduce possible complications. In this study, we hypothesized that early NHFOV would reduce the need for invasive respiratory support in comparison to NCPAP in preterm neonates with RDS.Methods: One hundred twenty-four neonates between 28 to 34 weeks of gestational age (GA) with RDS hospitalized at Imam Khomeini Hospital, Ahvaz in 2016 were included in this randomized controlled study. The primary outcomes were the failure of NHFOV and NCPAP within 72 h after birth. The secondary outcomes were the duration of invasive ventilation and possible side effects.Results: Out of 124 neonates in this study, 63 and 61 neonates were studied in the NHFOV and NCPAP groups, respectively. There were no significant differences between NHFOV (6.5%) and NCPAP (14.1%) groups in terms of rates of primary consequences (p = .13). However, the duration of noninvasive ventilation in NHFOV was significantly less than that of NCPAP group (p = .01).Conclusion: In our study group, preterm infants from 28 to 34 weeks of GA, NHFOV did not reduce the need for mechanical ventilation during the first 72 h after birth compared to NCPAP; however, the duration of noninvasive ventilation in the NHFOV group was significantly shorter.

Should Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy be a Must in Neonatal Intensive Care Units? Pilot Report of Initial Cases in Dubai

Minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) in neonates without intubation has in recent times become an accepted standard in the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) especially in Europe. We have adapted this novel technique in our clinical practice in the neonatal intensive care units in Dubai since 2018. Herein we report the successful outcome of implementation of this technique in three of our neonates of gestation/weight, 28/1.03 kg, 34/2.0 kg and 28/1.18 kg respectively in our NICU in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

Transient intubation for surfactant administration in the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in extremely premature infants

Purpose

To investigate the effectiveness of transient intubation for surfactant administration and extubated to nasal continuous positive pressure (INSURE) for treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and to identify the factors associated with INSURE failure in extremely premature infants.

Methods

Eighty-four infants with gestational age less than 28 weeks treated with surfactant administration for RDS for 8 years were included. Perinatal and neonatal characteristics were retrospectively reviewed, and major pulmonary outcomes such as duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) plus death at 36-week postmenstrual age (PMA) were compared between INSURE (n=48) and prolonged MV groups (n=36). The factors associated with INSURE failure were determined.

Results

Duration of MV and the occurrence of BPD at 36-week PMA were significantly lower in INSURE group than in prolonged MV group (P<0.05), but BPD plus death at 36-week PMA was not significantly different between the 2 groups. In a multivariate analysis, a reduced duration of MV was only significantly associated with INSURE (P=0.001). During the study period, duration of MV significantly decreased over time with an increasing rate of INSURE application (P<0.05), and BPD plus death at 36-week PMA also tended to decrease over time. A low arterial-alveolar oxygen tension ratio (a/APO2 ratio) was a significant predictor for INSURE failure (P=0.001).

Conclusion

INSURE was the noninvasive ventilation strategy in the treatment of RDS to reduce MV duration in extremely premature infants with gestational age less than 28 weeks.

Impact of Minimally Invasive Surfactant Therapy in Preterm Infants at 29-32 Weeks Gestation

BACKGROUND

Most preterm infants born at 29-32 weeks gestation now avoid intubation in early life, and thus lack the usual conduit through which exogenous surfactant is given if needed.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this work was to examine whether a technique of minimally invasive surfactant therapy used selectively at 29-32 weeks gestation would improve outcomes.

METHODS

We studied the impact of selective administration of surfactant (poractant alfa 100-200 mg/kg) by thin catheter in infants with respiratory distress syndrome on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The threshold for consideration of treatment was CPAP ≥7 cm H2O and FiO2 ≥0.35 prior to 24 h of life. In-hospital outcomes were compared before and after introducing minimally invasive surfactant therapy (epochs 1 and 2, respectively).

RESULTS

During epoch 2, of 266 infants commencing CPAP, 51 (19%) reached the treatment threshold. Thirty-seven infants received surfactant via thin catheter, and CPAP failure was avoided in 34 of these (92%). For the overall cohort of infants at 29-32 weeks gestation, after the introduction of minimally invasive surfactant therapy, there were reductions in CPAP failure (epoch 1: 14%, epoch 2: 7.2%) and average days of intubation, with equivalent surfactant use and days of respiratory support (intubation + CPAP). Pneumothorax was substantially reduced (from 8.0 to 2.4%). These findings were mirrored within the subgroups reaching the severity threshold in each epoch. The incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was low in both epochs.

CONCLUSIONS

Selective use of minimally invasive surfactant therapy at 29-32 weeks gestation permits a primary CPAP strategy to be pursued with a high rate of success, and a low risk of pneumothorax.

Surfactant utilization and short-term outcomes in an era of non-invasive respiratory support in Canadian neonatal intensive care units

OBJECTIVE

Increased use of non-invasive respiratory support (NRS) in the delivery room management of preterm neonates has resulted in delayed surfactant treatment, yet the short-term effects of this change are unknown. The aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate the use of surfactant and the short-term outcomes prior to and after the implementation of early routine use of NRS.

STUDY DESIGN

Eligible infants of <29 weeks gestational age (GA) admitted to a Canadian tertiary neonatal center during two time periods (2005 to 2008 and 2010 to 2013) were included in this retrospective cohort study. Timing of surfactant (prophylactic vs therapeutic) and short-term outcomes were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% confidence interval (CI) of receiving exogenous surfactant and developing bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) using the later cohort as the reference group. Subgroup analyses were also performed for infants <26 and 26 to 28^6/7 weeks GA, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 3980 and 5137 infants were included in the first and second time periods, respectively. There was no significant difference in overall surfactant utilization between the two time periods (AOR 1.00, 95% CI 0.89, 1.13). However, between 2005 and 2008, a lower proportion of neonates received therapeutic surfactant compared with the later cohort (47.1% vs 56.9%, P<0.01) but were more likely to receive prophylactic surfactant (52.9% vs 43.1%, P<0.01). BPD overall was significantly higher in the earlier cohort (AOR 1.19, 95% CI 1.07, 1.33), particularly among the <26 weeks gestation subgroup (AOR 1.34, 95% CI 1.08, 1.66).

CONCLUSION

Early routine use of NRS did not impact overall surfactant utilization rate, although therapeutic surfactant administration rates were higher with a concomitant decrease in BPD rates.

Physiological, Biochemical, and Biophysical Characterization of the Lung-Lavaged Spontaneously-Breathing Rabbit as a Model for Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) is a widely accepted technique of non-invasive respiratory support in spontaneously-breathing premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Surfactant administration techniques compatible with nCPAP ventilation strategy are actively investigated. Our aim is to set up and validate a respiratory distress animal model that can be managed on nCPAP suitable for surfactant administration techniques studies. Surfactant depletion was induced by bronchoalveolar lavages (BALs) on 18 adult rabbits. Full depletion was assessed by surfactant component analysis on the BALs samples. Animals were randomized into two groups: Control group (nCPAP only) and InSurE group, consisting of a bolus of surfactant (Poractant alfa, 200 mg/kg) followed by nCPAP. Arterial blood gases were monitored until animal sacrifice, 3 hours post treatment. Lung mechanics were evaluated just before and after BALs, at the time of treatment, and at the end of the procedure. Surfactant phospholipids and protein analysis as well as surface tension measurements on sequential BALs confirmed the efficacy of the surfactant depletion procedure. The InSurE group showed a significant improvement of blood oxygenation and lung mechanics. On the contrary, no signs of recovery were appreciated in animals treated with just nCPAP. The surfactant-depleted adult rabbit RDS model proved to be a valuable and efficient preclinical tool for mimicking the clinical scenario of preterm infants affected by mild/moderate RDS who spontaneously breathe and do not require mechanical ventilation. This population is of particular interest as potential target for the non-invasive administration of surfactant.

Golden 60 minutes of newborn's life: Part 1: Preterm neonate

"Golden 60 minutes "or "Golden Hour" is defined as the first hour of the newborn after birth. This hour includes resuscitation care, transport to nursery from place of birth and course in nursery. The concept of "Golden hour" includes evidence based interventions that are done in the first 60 min of postnatal life for the better long term outcome of the preterm newborn especially extreme premature, extreme low birth weight and very low birth weight. The evidence shows that the concept of "Golden 60 minutes" leads to reduction in neonatal complications like hypothermia, hypoglycemia, intraventricular hemorrhage, chronic lung disease and retinopathy of prematurity. In this review, we have covered various interventions included in "Golden hour" for preterm newborn namely delayed cord clamping, prevention of hypothermia, respiratory and cardiovascular system support, prevention of sepsis, nutritional support and communication with family.