Non-Invasive Ventilation in Neonatology

Construction and evaluation of neonatal respiratory failure risk prediction model for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) is a common respiratory disease in preterm infants, often accompanied by respiratory failure. The aim of this study was to establish and validate a nomogram model for predicting the probability of respiratory failure in NRDS patients.

METHODS

Patients diagnosed with NRDS were extracted from the MIMIC-iv database. The patients were randomly assigned to a training and a validation cohort. Univariate and stepwise Cox regression analyses were used to determine the prognostic factors of NRDS. A nomogram containing these factors was established to predict the incidence of respiratory failure in NRDS patients. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curves and decision curve analysis were used to determine the effectiveness of this model.

RESULTS

The study included 2,705 patients with NRDS. Univariate and multivariate stepwise Cox regression analysis showed that the independent risk factors for respiratory failure in NRDS patients were gestational age, pH, partial pressure of oxygen (PO2), partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PCO2), hemoglobin, blood culture, infection, neonatal intracranial hemorrhage, Pulmonary surfactant (PS), parenteral nutrition and respiratory support. Then, the nomogram was constructed and verified.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified the independent risk factors of respiratory failure in NRDS patients and used them to construct and evaluate respiratory failure risk prediction model for NRDS. The present findings provide clinicians with the judgment of patients with respiratory failure in NRDS and help clinicians to identify and intervene in the early stage.

RAM Cannula Versus Bi-Nasal Prongs as Respiratory Device Interfaces in Neonates of Thirty-Two or More Weeks of Gestation With Respiratory Distress: The First "ProRAM" Randomized Trial Report

Background

Using bilateral short nasal prongs as an interface for noninvasive respiratory support is challenging, and it is associated with nasal injury. We aimed to compare RAM cannula with nasal prongs in delivering noninvasive ventilation to newborn infants.

Methods

This is a single-center randomized trial (trial registry: ISRCTN10561691). The setting involves a tertiary neonatal unit with a capacity of 30 beds and more than 13 years of experience in neonatal noninvasive ventilation. We included 50 infants born at ≥ 32 weeks of gestation, who had respiratory distress at birth. We excluded those with major congenital anomalies and those who required intubation in the delivery room. Primary outcomes were intubation rate and use of noninvasive positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV); other outcomes included air leak and nasal injury rate. The infants were assigned using randomly generated numbers into bi-nasal prong and RAM canula groups in a 1:1 ratio.

Results

Two and four babies in the RAM and prong groups, respectively, were upgraded to NIPPV (P = 0.600). One versus no baby in the RAM vs. prong groups was intubated (P = 1.000). Newborns in the prong group required oxygen support for a longer period (mean duration: 154.6 ± 255.2 h) than those in the RAM group (40.7 ± 72.6 h, P = 0.030). None of the patients in the RAM group had traumatic nasal injury compared to five babies in the prong group (P = 0.050). Four babies in our study developed air leaks, with two in each group.

Conclusions

The use of RAM cannula in delivering noninvasive ventilation to newborns ≥ 32 weeks of age did not affect the noninvasive ventilation failure rate or incidence of air leak. The use was associated with a shorter duration of respiratory support and a reduced risk of nasal septal injury.

Fluctuations in Oxygen Saturation during Synchronized Nasal Intermittent Positive Pressure Ventilation and Nasal High-Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in Very Low Birth Weight Infants: A Randomized Crossover Trial

BACKGROUND

Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants on noninvasive ventilation (NIV) experience frequent fluctuations in oxygen saturation (SpO2) that are associated with an increased risk for mortality and severe morbidities.

METHODS

In this randomized crossover trial, VLBW infants (n = 22) born 22+3 to 28+0 weeks on NIV with supplemental oxygen were allocated on two consecutive days in random order to synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (sNIPPV) and nasal high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (nHFOV) for 8 h. nHFOV and sNIPPV were set to equivalent mean airway pressure and transcutaneous pCO2. Primary outcome was the time spent within the SpO2 target (88-95%).

RESULTS

During sNIPPV, VLBW infants spent significantly more time within the SpO2 target (59.9%) than during nHFOV (54.6%). The proportion of time spent in hypoxemia (22.3% vs. 27.1%) and the mean fraction of supplemental oxygen (FiO2) (29.4% vs. 32.8%) were significantly reduced during sNIPPV, while the respiratory rate (50.1 vs. 42.6) was significantly higher. Mean SpO2, SpO2 above the target, number of prolonged (>1 min) and severe (SpO2 <80%) hypoxemic episodes, parameters of cerebral tissue oxygenation using NIRS, number of FiO2 adjustments, heart rate, number of bradycardias, abdominal distension and transcutaneous pCO2 did not differ between both interventions.

CONCLUSIONS

In VLBW infants with frequent fluctuations in SpO2, sNIPPV is more efficient than nHFOV to retain the SpO2 target and to reduce FiO2 exposure. These results demand more detailed investigations into cumulative oxygen toxicities during different modes of NIV over the weaning period, particularly with regard to consequences for long-term outcomes.

Oxygen and mechanical stretch in the developing lung: risk factors for neonatal and pediatric lung disease

Chronic airway diseases, such as wheezing and asthma, remain significant sources of morbidity and mortality in the pediatric population. This is especially true for preterm infants who are impacted both by immature pulmonary development as well as disproportionate exposure to perinatal insults that may increase the risk of developing airway disease. Chronic pediatric airway disease is characterized by alterations in airway structure (remodeling) and function (increased airway hyperresponsiveness), similar to adult asthma. One of the most common perinatal risk factors for development of airway disease is respiratory support in the form of supplemental oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and/or CPAP. While clinical practice currently seeks to minimize oxygen exposure to decrease the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), there is mounting evidence that lower levels of oxygen may carry risk for development of chronic airway, rather than alveolar disease. In addition, stretch exposure due to mechanical ventilation or CPAP may also play a role in development of chronic airway disease. Here, we summarize the current knowledge of the impact of perinatal oxygen and mechanical respiratory support on the development of chronic pediatric lung disease, with particular focus on pediatric airway disease. We further highlight mechanisms that could be explored as potential targets for novel therapies in the pediatric population.

Failure of early non-invasive ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome in current care practice in Spanish level-III neonatal intensive care units - a prospective observational study

Introduction

Despite advances in respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) management over the past decade, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) failure is frequent and associated with adverse outcomes. There are insufficient data on the failure of different NIV strategies currently used in clinical practice in preterm infants.

Methods

This was a prospective, multicenter, observational study of very preterm infants [gestational age (GA) <32 weeks] admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for RDS that required NIV from the first 30 min after birth. The primary outcome was the incidence of NIV failure, defined as the need for mechanical ventilation for <72 h of life. Secondary outcomes were risk factors associated with NIV failure and complication rates.

Results

The study included 173 preterm infants with a median GA of 28 (IQR 27-30) weeks and a median birth weight of 1,100 (IQR 800-1,333) g. The incidence of NIV failure was 15.6%. In the multivariate analysis, lower GA (OR, 0.728; 95% CI, 0.576-0.920) independently increased the risk of NIV failure. Compared to NIV success, NIV failure was associated with higher rates of unfavorable outcomes, including pneumothorax, intraventricular hemorrhage, periventricular leukomalacia, pulmonary hemorrhage, and a combined outcome of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia or death.

Conclusion

NIV failure occurred in 15.6% of the preterm neonates and was associated with adverse outcomes. The use of LISA and newer NIV modalities most likely accounts for the reduced failure rate. Gestational age remains the best predictor of NIV failure and is more reliable than the fraction of inspired oxygen during the first hour of life.

A Three-Arm Randomized, Controlled Trial of Different Nasal Interfaces on the Safety and Efficacy of Nasal Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation in Preterm Newborns

OBJECTIVES

To compare the safety and efficacy of different nasal interfaces for delivering non invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in preterm neonates.

METHODS

In this three-arm parallel group stratified nonblinded randomized trial involving 210 preterm neonates the participants were randomly allocated to 'nasal mask', 'nasal prongs' and '4 hourly rotation of masks and prongs' groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. The groups were further stratified by gestational age (26-31^6/7 wk versus 32-36^6/7 wk) and indication of NIPPV (primary versus post extubation). Primary outcome was incidence of NIPPV failure within 72 h of initiation. Secondary outcomes were moderate/severe nasal injury, requirement of surfactant post randomization, total duration of respiratory support, duration of NICU stay, common neonatal morbidities and mortality.

RESULTS

Primary analysis revealed that mask group was superior to prongs and rotation groups in terms of reduction in NIPPV failure within 72 h (8.6%, 24.3%, 22.8%, p = 0.033), decreased incidence of moderate/severe nasal injury (8.6%, 22.8%, 11.4% p = 0.038), decreased requirement of surfactant (20%, 38.6%, 42.8%, p = 0.01) and reduction in total duration of respiratory support [median (interquartile range)-6 (3, 10) d, 7.7 (4.9, 19.2) d, 7 (5.5, 18.5) d, p = 0.005]. Post hoc analysis confirmed that nasal mask was superior to prongs with respect to primary outcome (p = 0.012) and also reduced surfactant requirement compared to both prongs (p = 0.015) and rotation (p = 0.003) groups. Other pairwise comparisons were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Administering NIPPV by nasal mask significantly decreases the incidence of NIPPV failure within first 72 h compared to nasal prongs and also reduces the requirement of surfactant compared to both prongs and rotation groups.

Impressive Nasal Septum Regeneration after Cord Blood Platelet Gel (CBPG) in Extreme Premature Neonate with Non-Invasive Ventilation: A Case Report

BACKGROUND

We evaluated the efficacy of Cord Blood Platelet Gel (CBPG) in the regenerative reconstruction of the nasal septal tissue of a preterm infant undergoing non-invasive ventilation.

METHODS

A CBPC treatment was used to enhance the regeneration of the nasal septum of a premature patient in an experimental way, evaluating the efficacy described in the literature (selective bibliographic search in PubMed) of the use of blood products for non-transfusion purposes.

RESULTS

A partial but satisfactory regeneration of the patient's nasal septum was observed. Using the free NIH Image J online software, we were able to calculate the regenerated surface (about 83% of the destroyed cartilage).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of platelet gel has been a promising alternative to surgical treatment in patients with severe damage to the nasal septum.

Impact of Changes in Early Respiratory Support Management on Respiratory Outcomes of Preterm Infants

BACKGROUND

In the period immediately after birth, preterm infants are highly susceptible to lung injury. Ventilator-induced lung injury has been recognized as a major contributing factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. Noninvasive respiratory support (NIRS) could decrease lung injury, and early respiratory support management might affect pulmonary outcomes. We conducted a study to evaluate the changes in early respiratory support management and their impact on respiratory outcome and complications of preterm infants in 3 different time periods over the last 13 years.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective, single-center cohort study. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of preterm infants < 32 weeks of gestational age born in our hospital from 2007-2020. The study period was divided into three 3-y discrete periods: 2007-2009 (period A), 2013-2015 (period B), and 2018-2020 (period C). Changes in early respiratory support management were assessed in the 3 periods. The outcomes measured included mortality, BPD, other major neonatal complications, initial respiratory support, and duration of mechanical ventilation.

RESULTS

In all, 1,880 clinical records were assessed in our study, with 358 in period A, 825 in period B, and 697 in period C. The use of antenatal corticosteroids increased over time (56.1% in period A, 56.7% in period B, and 74.0% in period C (P < .001). The need for surfactant decreased from 65.6% in period A to 40.7% in period B and 45.9% in period C. Increased utilization of NIRS was associated with decreased invasive mechanical ventilation within 24 h after birth. NIRS only during the hospital stay increased from 22.9% in period A to 36.8% and 45.1% in the latter 2 periods (P < .001). Oxygen therapy duration decreased from 24.3 d in period A to 14.4 d in period B and 17.2 d in period C (P < .001). The overall incidence of BPD was 32.4% in the first period, 23.9% in the second period, and 25.4% in the third period (P < .001). The moderate-to-severe forms of BPD decreased from 12.8% in period A to 7.9% in period B and 7.6% in period C (P = .009). Other neonatal complications, such as pneumothorax, pulmonary hemorrhage, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage grade III/IV, and periventricular leukomalacia, were unchanged among the 3 periods.

CONCLUSIONS

From 2007-2020, respiratory management was characterized by a marked reduction in invasive mechanical ventilation and an increase in the use of NIRS. Changes in early respiratory support management resulted in improved respiratory outcomes with a decrease in the overall incidence of BPD. It is likely that our aim to reduce lung injury by improving our respiratory management has contributed to a favorable outcome.

Evaluation of three non-invasive ventilation modes after extubation in the treatment of preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of three different modes of non-invasive post-extubation ventilation support in preterm infants with severe respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

METHODS

Infants diagnosed with severe RDS after extubation were randomized to receive nasal continuous positive airway pressure ventilation (NCPAP), nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV), and non-invasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFO). The clinical outcomes and complications of infants in different groups were recorded.

RESULTS

In infants less than 32 weeks, NCPAP had a significant increase in extubation failure when compared with NIPPV and NHFO, and the gastrointestinal feeding time, the numbers of apnea, and hospitalization costs in the NCPAP group were significantly higher. The incidence of complications was also higher in the NCPAP group. There was no difference in clinical outcomes and complications in infants greater than 32 weeks.

CONCLUSION

For infants with severe RDS less than 32 weeks after extubation, NIPPV and NHFO are more cost-effective in comparison to NCPAP.

Noninvasive Ventilation in Preterm Infants: Factors Influencing Weaning Decisions and the Role of the Silverman-Andersen Score

The factors influencing weaning of preterm infants from noninvasive ventilation (NIV) are poorly defined and the weaning decisions are often driven by subjective judgement rather than objective measures. To standardize quantification of respiratory effort, the Silverman-Andersen Score (SAS) was included in our nursing routine. We investigated the factors that steer the weaning process and whether the inclusion of the SAS would lead to more stringent weaning. Following SAS implementation, we prospectively evaluated 33 neonates born ≤ 32 + 0 weeks gestational age. Age-, weight- and sex-matched infants born before routine SAS evaluation served as historic control. In 173 of 575 patient days, NIV was not weaned despite little respiratory distress (SAS ≤ 2), mainly due to bradycardias (60% of days without weaning), occurring alone (40%) or in combination with other factors such as apnea/desaturations. In addition, “soft factors” that are harder to grasp impact on weaning decisions, whereas the SAS overall played a minor role. Consequently, ventilation times did not differ between the groups. In conclusion, NIV weaning is influenced by various factors that override the absence of respiratory distress limiting the predictive value of the SAS. An awareness of the factors that influence weaning decisions is important as prolonged use of NIV has been associated with adverse outcome. Guidelines are necessary to standardize NIV weaning practice.

Lowering of the Neonatal Lung Ultrasonography Score after nCPAP Positioning in Neonates over 32 Weeks of Gestational Age with Neonatal Respiratory Distress

Respiratory distress (RD) is one of the most common causes of admission to the neonatal intensive care unit. Correct diagnosis and timely intervention are crucial. Lung ultrasonography (LU) is a useful diagnostic tool for the neonatologist in the diagnosis of RD; the neonatal lung ultrasonography score (nLUS) can be used in the diagnostic process, but some authors hypothesise that it is also useful for the management of some neonatal RD. The aim of this study is to analyse the changes in nLUS score before (T0) and after (T1) the start of respiratory support with nasal CPAP in neonates over 32 weeks of age with RD. Thirty-three newborns were enrolled in this retrospective study. LU was performed before and after the start of CPAP. The median nLUS scores at T0 and T1 were 9 (IQR 7−12) and 7 (IQR 4−10), respectively, and showed a significant difference (p < 0.001). The magnitude of reduction in nLUS score, expressed as a percentage, was inversely related to the need for subsequent administration of exogenous surfactant. The study suggests the usefulness of the nLUS score in assessing the response to CPAP in neonates over 32 weeks gestational age.

Tactile stimulation in the delivery room: past, present, future. A systematic review

In current resuscitation guidelines, tactile stimulation is recommended for infants with insufficient respiratory efforts after birth. No recommendations are made regarding duration, onset, and method of stimulation. Neither is mentioned how tactile stimulation should be applied in relation to the gestational age. The aim was to review the physiological mechanisms of respiratory drive after birth and to identify and structure the current evidence on tactile stimulation during neonatal resuscitation. A systematic review of available data was performed using PubMed, covering the literature up to April 2021. Two independent investigators screened the extracted references and assessed their methodological quality. Six studies were included. Tactile stimulation management, including the onset of stimulation, overall duration, and methods as well as the effect on vital parameters was analyzed and systematically presented. Tactile stimulation varies widely between, as well as within different centers and no consensus exists which stimulation method is most effective. Some evidence shows that repetitive stimulation within the first minutes of resuscitation improves oxygenation. Further studies are warranted to optimize strategies to support spontaneous breathing after birth, assessing the effect of stimulating various body parts respectively within different gestational age groups.

Mode of Delivery and Incidence of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: Results from the Population-Based EPICE Cohort

INTRODUCTION

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) represents a tremendous disease burden following preterm birth. The strong association between compromised gas exchange after birth and BPD demands particular focus on the perinatal period. The mode of delivery can impact on lung fluid clearance and microbial colonization, but its impact on BPD and potential trade-off effects between death and BPD are not established.

METHODS

A total of 7,435 live births (24+0 to 31+6 weeks postmenstrual age) in 19 regions of 11 European countries were included. Principal outcomes were death and BPD at 36 weeks. We estimated unadjusted and adjusted associations with mode of delivery using multilevel logistic regression to account for clustering within units and regions. Sensitivity analyses examined effects, taking into consideration regional variations in C-section rates.

RESULTS

Compared to vaginal delivery, delivery by C-section was not associated with the incidence of BPD (OR 0.92, 95% CI: 0.68-1.25) or the composite outcome of death or BPD (OR 0.94, 95% CI: 0.74-1.19) after adjustment for perinatal and neonatal risk factors in the total cohort and in pregnancies for whom a vaginal delivery could be considered. Sensitivity analyses among singletons, infants in cephalic presentation, and infants of ≥26+0 weeks of gestation did not alter the results for BPD, severe BPD, and death or BPD, even in regions with a high C-section rate.

CONCLUSIONS

In our population-based cohort study, the mode of delivery was not associated with the incidence of BPD. The intention to reduce BPD does not justify a C-section in pregnancies where a vaginal delivery can be considered.

Use of NHFOV vs. NIPPV for the respiratory support of preterm newborns after extubation: A meta-analysis

OBJECTIVES

This meta-analysis evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of noninvasive high-frequency oscillatory ventilation (NHFOV) and nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) for preterm newborns after extubation.

METHODS

We searched the PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP databases from inception to August 28, 2022. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that evaluated and compared the efficacy and safety of NHFOV and NIPPV in newborns were included in the review and meta-analysis, which followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) reporting guidelines.

RESULTS

Eight studies involving 1,603 patients were included. Compared with NIPPV, NHFOV could reduce the reintubation rates (RR = 0.68, 95% CI 0.53, 0.86, P = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that the significant difference was found in reintubation rates within 72 h (RR = 0.48, 95% CI 0.32, 0.73, P = 0.0005). NHFOV also could decrease the duration of non-invasive ventilation (standard mean difference (SMD) = -1.52, 95% CI -2.58, -0.45, P = 0.005). However, all included studies had a high risk of bias, and the overall quality of the evidence of the outcomes was low or very low.

CONCLUSION

In our study, compared with NIPPV, NHFOV seems to reduce the reintubation rates without increasing adverse outcomes. Nevertheless, definite recommendations cannot be made based on the quality of the published evidence.

Oxygen Toxicity to the Immature Lung-Part II: The Unmet Clinical Need for Causal Therapy

Oxygen toxicity continues to be one of the inevitable injuries to the immature lung. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is the initial step leading to lung injury and, subsequently, the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). Today, BPD remains the most important disease burden following preterm delivery and results in life-long restrictions in lung function and further important health sequelae. Despite the tremendous progress in the pathomechanistic understanding derived from preclinical models, the clinical needs for preventive or curative therapies remain unmet. This review summarizes the clinical progress on guiding oxygen delivery to the preterm infant and elaborates future directions of research that need to take into account both hyperoxia and hypoxia as ROS sources and BPD drivers. Many strategies have been tested within clinical trials based on the mechanistic understanding of ROS actions, but most have failed to prove efficacy. The majority of these studies were tested in an era before the latest modes of non-invasive respiratory support and surfactant application were introduced or were not appropriately powered. A comprehensive re-evaluation of enzymatic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory therapies to prevent ROS injury is therefore indispensable. Strategies will only succeed if they are applied in a timely and vigorous manner and with the appropriate outcome measures.

Application of two different nasal CPAP levels for the treatment of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants-"The OPTTIMMAL-Trial"-Optimizing PEEP To The IMMAture Lungs: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) applies positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and has been shown to reduce the need for intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation in very low birth weight infants with respiratory distress syndrome. However, CPAP failure rates of 50% are reported in large randomized controlled trials. A possible explanation for these failure rates is the application of insufficient low levels of PEEP during nasal CPAP treatment to maintain adequate functional residual capacity shortly after birth. The optimum PEEP level to treat symptoms of respiratory distress in very low birth weight infants has not been assessed in clinical studies. The aim of the study is to compare two different PEEP levels during nasal CPAP treatment in preterm infants.

Methods

In this randomized multicenter trial, 216 preterm infants born at 26 + 0–29 + 6 gestational weeks will be allocated to receive a higher (6–8 cmH₂O) or a lower (3–5 cmH₂O) PEEP during neonatal resuscitation and the first 120 h of life. The PEEP level within each group will be titrated throughout the intervention based on the FiO₂ (fraction of inspired oxygen concentration) requirements to keep oxygenation within the target range. The primary outcome is defined as the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation for > 1 h or being not ventilated but reaching one of the two pre-defined CPAP failure criteria (FiO₂ > 0.5 for > 1 h or pCO₂ ≥ 70 mmHg in two consecutive blood gas analyses at least 2 h apart).

Discussion

Based on available data from the literature, the optimum level of PEEP that most effectively treats respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants is unknown, since the majority of large clinical trials applied a wide range of PEEP levels (4–8 cmH₂O). The rationale for our study hypothesis is that the early application of a higher PEEP level will more effectively counteract the collapsing properties of the immature and surfactant-deficient lungs and that the level of inspired oxygen may serve as a surrogate marker to guide PEEP titration. Finding the optimum noninvasive continuous distending pressure during early nasal CPAP is required to improve CPAP efficacy and as a consequence to reduce the exposure to ventilator-induced lung injury and the incidence of chronic lung disease in this vulnerable population of very preterm infants.

Trial registration

drks.de DRKS00019940. Registered on March 13, 2020

Respiratory Support of the Preterm Neonate: Lessons About Ventilation-Induced Brain Injury From Large Animal Models

Many preterm neonates require mechanical ventilation which increases the risk of cerebral inflammation and white matter injury in the immature brain. In this review, we discuss the links between ventilation and brain injury with a focus on the immediate period after birth, incorporating respiratory support in the delivery room and subsequent mechanical ventilation in the neonatal intensive care unit. This review collates insight from large animal models in which acute injurious ventilation and prolonged periods of ventilation have been used to create clinically relevant brain injury patterns. These models are valuable resources in investigating the pathophysiology of ventilation-induced brain injury and have important translational implications. We discuss the challenges of reconciling lung and brain maturation in commonly used large animal models. A comprehensive understanding of ventilation-induced brain injury is necessary to guide the way we care for preterm neonates, with the goal to improve their neurodevelopmental outcomes.

Minimally invasive surfactant therapy versus InSurE in preterm neonates of 28 to 34 weeks with respiratory distress syndrome on non-invasive positive pressure ventilation-a randomized controlled trial

Preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) are commonly treated with surfactant by intubate surfactant extubate (InSurE) technique. Mode of surfactant administration has evolved towards less invasive technique in the last few years. We randomised 58 preterm infants of 28-34 weeks of gestation with RDS within 6 h of birth to receive surfactant by InSurE or minimally invasive surfactant therapy (MIST). Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) was used as primary respiratory support. The main objective was to compare the need of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in first 72 h of life and secondarily hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) (> grade 2), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and composite outcome of BPD/mortality. We did not find any difference in need of IMV in first 72 h between MIST and InSurE (relative risk with MIST, 0.62; 95% confidence interval, 0.22 to 1.32). No difference was observed in terms of hs PDA, IVH (> grade 2), BPD and composite outcome of BPD/mortality.Conclusion: There is no difference between MIST and InSurE in preterm neonates with RDS with NIPPV as a primary mode of respiratory support. Larger multicentre studies are needed to further explore differences in treatment failure and other secondary outcomes.Trial registration: www.ctri.nic.in id CTRI/2019/03/017992, registration date March 8, 2019. What is Known • InSurE is commonly used for many years for treatment of RDS in preterm neonates. • MIST has been introduced as a newer tool. What is New • MIST with feeding tube is comparable with InSurE in preterm infants with RDS in developing countries. •NIPPV can be used as primary respiratory support for MIST.