Journal Pre-proof
Practical aspects on the use of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm infants
Nehad Nasef, Hend ME. Rashed, Hany Aly
PII:
S2352-6467(20)30012-0
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2020.02.005
Reference:
IJPAM 233
To appear in:
International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine
Please cite this article as: Nasef N, Rashed HM, Aly H, Practical aspects on the use of non-invasive
respiratory support in preterm infants, International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2020.02.005.
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Research Centre (General Organization), Saudi Arabia.
Practical aspects on the use of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm
infants
Authors:
Nehad Nasef, MD1,2, Hend M E Rashed3, Hany Aly, MD, MSHS, FAAP4
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Mansora University Children’s Hospital, Mansoura,
Egypt
2 Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Mansoura
3School of Medicine, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
4Department of Neonatology, Cleveland Clinic Children’s, Cleveland, OH, USA
1
Corresponding Author:
Hany Aly, MD, MSHS, FAAP
Department Chair | Neonatology
Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital
Professor of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University
Lerner’s College of Medicine
9500 Euclid Ave. M31-37
Cleveland, OH 44195
Tel. (216) 444-2568
Fax. (216) 444-7625
Email AlyH@ccf.org
Short Title: Non invasive ventilation in preterm infants
Abstract
Preterm infants frequently present with respiratory insufficiency requiring
respiratory assistance. Invasive mechanical ventilation has been associated
with several short and long term complications. Therefore, the practice of early
use of non-invasive ventilation has been adopted. Nasal CPAP proved efficacy
as an initial therapy for preterm infants. Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation
is an alternative used to mitigate CPAP failure in infants with apnea or increased
work of breathing. High flow nasal cannula gained popularity primarily due to
the ease of its use, despite multiple prominent trials that demonstrated its
inferiority. Bi-level positive airway pressure and neurally adjusted non-invasive
ventilatory are used in infants with apnea and increased work of breathing. The
effectiveness of non invasive ventilation tools can be augmented by having a
proper
protocol
for
initiation,
weaning,
skin
care,
developmental care during their application.
Abbreviations
BiPAP
Bi-level positive airway pressure
BPD
Bronchopulmonary dysplasia
CPAP
Continuous positive airway pressure
FRC
Functional residual capacity
HHHFNC
Heated humidified high flow nasal cannula
NAVA
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist
NIPPV
Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation
positioning,
and
NIV
Non invasive ventilation
NHFV
Nasal high frequency fentilation
IVH
Intra-ventricular hemorrhage
NEC
Necrotizing enterocolitis
PDA
Patent ductus arteriosus
RDS
Respiratory distress syndrome
ROP
Retinopathy of prematurity
Keywords: Preterm infant; neonatal respiratory distress syndrome; mechanical
ventilation; noninvasive ventilation.
Introduction
Invasive mechanical ventilation has been widely used to support neonates with
respiratory failure over the past decades. However, its use, particularly in
preterm infants, was associated with various respiratory and non-respiratory
complications. Short term reported respiratory complications include air leak
syndromes, pulmonary hemorrhage, lung atelectasis, airway inflammation,
subglottic stenosis, and ventilation associated pneumonia.1 Bronchopulmonary
dysplasia (BPD) is the most important and serious long-term respiratory
complication which affects the lifestyle of preterm infants.1,2 Accordingly, the
use of non-invasive ventilation gained the interest of health care practitioners in
an attempt to avoid respiratory morbidity related to invasive mechanical
ventilation.
Physiological concepts:
Preterm infants are vulnerable to respiratory insufficiency because of immaturity
of respiratory centers in the brain, increased upper airway resistance secondary
to muscle hypotonia, increased lower airway resistance, weakness of respiratory
muscles, and decreased lung compliance in association with surfactant
deficiency.3 Oxygen therapy as a treatment for hypoxemia does not overcome
the physiological aspects of respiratory insufficiency. Continuous positive airway
pressure (CPAP) was first introduced in 1968 as a supportive tool to maintain
patency of upper airways, prevent alveolar space loss secondary to atelectasis,
and support the weak respiratory muscles and respiratory drive of preterm
infants.4 However, CPAP was mainly used to transition preterm infants after
extubation from mechanical ventilation. As a consequence to increasing
incidences of BPD in extremely preterm infants, practitioners tended to shift from
initial invasive to non-invasive mechanical ventilation. The concept of early
initiation of nasal CPAP in the delivery room as a rescue therapy to avoid
mechanical ventilation in preterm infants with respiratory distress was described
in 1980s and early 1990.5-7 The use of non-invasive nasal intermittent positive
pressure breaths (NIPPV), bi-level pressures, or nasal high frequency ventilation
were introduced to augment the effect of regular CPAP and overcome the
needs for mechanical ventilation in extreme preterm infants with recurrent
apneas. Studies on non-invasive ventilation have shown variable effects on
different diseases and outcomes of preterm infants.8 These variations are
related to different practice in regards to time of initiation, delivered pressure,
device or interface used, additional care for skin, and positioning.
2
Modes of non invasive respiratory support:
2.1
Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP)
2.1.1 Mechanism of action
Nasal CPAP creates a constant positive pressure during infant's respiratory cycle
by delivering a constant gas flow through an interface sealed against the
upper airways. The created pressure increases in the cross-sectional area of the
naso-pharynx, decreases airway resistance, improves lung compliance,
increases endogenous release of surfactant, enhances diaphragmatic activity,
decreases frequency of apnea and improves ventilation-perfusion matching.9,10
In addition, the CPAP pressure, when applied for extended time, stimulates lung
growth and increases functional residual capacity.11,12
2.1.2 Delivering system and interface
Nasal CPAP can be delivered via bubble CPAP, infant flow CPAP, or
conventional ventilator with nasal prongs. . Positive end expiratory pressure is
created by variable distal expiratory flow under water in bubble CPAP, kinetic
energy flow in infant flow CPAP, and expiratory valve in conventional ventilator
CPAP.. The use of infant flow CPAP did not differ from conventional ventilator
CPAP in term of incidence of post-extubation failure.13 However, duration of
oxygen therapy and length of hospital stay were significantly shorter in preterm
infants treated with infant flow CPAP compared to conventional ventilator
CPAP.13 Infant flow CPAP was not different compared to bubble CPAP in the
incidence of treatment failure within 72 hours of therapy, CPAP failure within 7
days of life, need for surfactant post-randomization, time to CPAP failure,
duration of CPAP and complications of prematurity.14-16
Different designs of nasal interfaces such as short or long binasal prongs, single
nasopharyngeal prong, nasal masks, nasal cannulas, or nasal pillows are
available. A suitable interface should maintain proper seal with the infant’s nose
during movement to preserve the desired pressure without compromise to the
nasal septum to avoid pressure injury. In a randomized clinical trial, Buettiker
and colleagues compared the duration of interface use and associated nasal
septum injury between Hudson RCI nasal prongs, nasopharyngeal prong and
infant flow prongs and did not find significant differences between the three
interfaces.17 In a meta-analysis of two trials, short binasal prongs were found to
be more effective in prevention of extubation failure than a single
nasopharyngeal prong.18 Authors in the same meta-analysis did not find a
significant difference between different types of short binasal prongs in terms of
efficacy of respiratory support or safety on skin integrity.18 More recently, the
nasal mask was found to significantly reduce incidence of CPAP failure, nasal
septum injury, BPD, and the need for subsequent surfactant administration
compared to nasal prongs in VLBW infants.19,20 Our position is that the short
curved binasal prongs are shown to be the most effective and to associate with
the least incidence of BPD.21 Nasal injury is mostly related to unfamiliarity with
nasal prongs and can be ameliorated with experience gained at the bedside.
2.1.3 CPAP as a post-extubation tool
The use of nasal CPAP as a step-down intervention after mechanical ventilation
for preterm infants was associated with significant success and less incidence of
re-ventilation.22,23 In a large meta-analysis by Ferguson and colleagues, nasal
CPAP was associated with a significant reduction in the incidence of extubation
failure in comparison with head-box oxygen (risk ratio [RR] = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.480.72; number needed to treat [NNT] = 6; 95% CI, 3-9).24
2.1.4 Early nasal CPAP in the delivery room
Clinical trials of early initiation of CPAP have shown that CPAP was as effective
as mechanical ventilation in treatment of respiratory distress in preterm infants
particularly those less than 29 weeks gestation.25-28 Aly and colleagues reported
that 84.6 % of ELBW infants will not need intubation and surfactant therapy if
nasal CPAP is initiated immediately in the delivery room.29 Lindner et al,
reported a significant decline in the need for mechanical ventilation from 84%
to 40%, incidence of BPD from 32% to 12% and severe intra-ventricular
hemorrhage from 38% to 16% if nasal CPAP was initiated early in the delivery
room.30 In the COIN trial early use of infant flow CPAP at a pressure of 8 cmH2O
with short single or binasal prongs was not associated with decreased incidence
of death and BPD at 36 weeks corrected gestational age (33.9 % vs 38.9 %, P =
.19). However, pneumothorax was significantly increased (9% versus 3%, P <.01)
compared to mechanical ventilation.25 In the SUPPORT trial early initiation of
CPAP in the delivery room with T-piece at a pressure of 5 cmH2O with continued
application in the NICU did not significantly decrease the incidence of death
and BPD at 36 weeks corrected gestational age (47.8% versus 51.0 %, P = .3)
compared to mechanical ventilation.26 In the CURPAP trial, early initiation of
CPAP with pressure of 7 cmH2O without intubation and surfactant therapy in
the delivery room was as effective as elective intubation and surfactant
therapy followed by either nasal CPAP or mechanical ventilation in term of the
need for mechanical ventilation and incidence of BPD at 36 weeks gestation.27
The VON DRM study showed that early use of bubble CPAP in the delivery room
was as effective as both prophylactic surfactant administration followed by
immediate extubation to CPAP or prophylactic surfactant administration
followed by continuing mechanical ventilation in regards to the combined
incidence of death and BPD at 36 weeks (30.5%, 28.5%, and 36.5% respectively)
in preterm neonates.28
2.1.5 Early use of nasal CPAP with surfactant therapy
In an attempt to minimize the duration or the initiation of invasive ventilation in
preterm infants with respiratory distress, intubate-surfactant-extubate (INSURE)
practice and minimal invasive surfactant therapy (MIST) practice or less invasive
surfactant administration (LISA) practice have been often used by practitioners.
In a meta-analysis of 9 randomized trials, INSURE practice was not statistically
different compared to nasal CPAP alone in decreasing incidence of death and
BPD.31 However, INSURE was associated with 12% RR reduction in combined BPD
and/or death and 14% RR reduction in the incidence of BPD compared to nasal
CPAP alone suggesting that INSURE practice augments the beneficial effect of
early CPAP therapy.31 The use of MIST or LISA techniques in combination with
nasal CPAP in spontaneously breathing preterm infants with respiratory distress
seems to reduce failure of non-invasive ventilation, avoids mechanical
ventilation and manual inflation, and possibly reduces lung injury due to
barotraumas or volutrauma.32 Our position in this regards is that intubation in the
delivery room is a potentially hazardous procedure that is shown to cause IVH in
premature infants.33 Therefore preterm infants should be intubated only when
they cannot be managed non-invasively.
2.1.6 Weaning off CPAP
Efficacy of nasal CPAP on supporting preterm infants depends on proper
selection of criteria to initiate and more importantly to wean off support.
Multiple criteria for readiness to wean off CPAP have been developed.34
Gradual weaning of pressure and oxygen was associated with higher chances
of success compared to sudden discontinuation of CPAP in preterm infants.35
Weaning to high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) was associated with unnecessary
increase in duration of oxygen therapy and length of hospital stay.36 Gradedcycling-off strategy significantly increased the total time on nasal CPAP, oxygen
therapy and hospital stay.37
In summary, despite the availability of multiple trials and meta-analyses related
to initiation and weaning off CPAP, there is not clear explanation for the
disparity in BPD incidences among different centers. It is clear, however, that
the lowest incidence of BPD was reported from centers that use bubble CPAP
with short binasal prongs. It is also clear that centers will need to develop
experience over time before a decrease in BPD incidence is appreciated.38
2.2
Heated Humidified High Flow Nasal Cannula (HHHFNC)
2.2.1 Mechanism of action
HHHFNC delivers heated and humidified blended oxygen and air via small
loose-fitting prongs, which does not occlude the nostril, at a flow rate of > 1
L/min.39 HHHFNC is considered easier to use, less traumatic to nasal septum, and
more comfortable for the infant compared to nasal CPAP thus has gained
considerable popularity in clinical practice.40 The proposed working mechanism
of HFNC is by generation of gas flow in the naso-pharynx that washes out the
pharyngeal dead space.41 With the nasal interface that does not occlude >50%
of the nostrils, its potential of delivering positive distending pressure is
unreliable.42 Meanwhile it is prohibited to occlude >50% of the nostrils to prevent
generation of unintended dangerously high pressure. Of note, the RAM nasal
cannula (Neotech, Valencia, CA, USA) is intended to deliver flow and oxygen.
Its use to deliver CPAP is considered an “off label” use.
2.2.2 Efficacy and safety of HHHFNC as a non-invasive respiratory support
HHHFNC was compared to nasal CPAP as a primary respiratory support early in
the delivery room and as a post-extubation tool after mechanical ventilation.
When used as a primary mode of respiratory support, HHHFNC was shown to be
inferior to CPAP. In fact, the two largest clinical trials that were conducted in
premature infants with gestational age of >28 weeks and >31 weeks, showed
doubling of the failure rate when using HHHFNC when compared to CPAP,43,44
Therefore, other than the ease of care and convenience, it is not justifiable to
use HFNC as a primary mode of respiratory in premature infants. The support of
infants after extubation using HFNC instead of CAPP is sub-optimal. Multiple
studies proved that intrapulmonary sustained pressure, stimulates premature
lungs to grow and increases functional residual capacity.12,36,45
In summary, HFNC does not provide reliable pressure that is needed to stimulate
the growth of the lungs. The use of oxygen with HFNC will mask the underlying
respiratory insufficiency without providing the pressure needed for the lung to
heal and grow. The authors of this review are not aware of any study that
claimed improved outcomes when using HFNC instead of CPAP.
Therefore,
HFNC should be reserved for individuals in situations were CPAP can not be
applied due to nasal injury or home support.
2.3
Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV)
2.3.1 Mechanism of action
NIPPV adds intermittent positive pressure breaths over a baseline positive end
expiratory pressure (PEEP) with a specified peak inspiratory pressure (PIP),
respiratory rate, and inspiratory time. The intermittent positive breaths improve
naso-pharyngeal inflation, increase the delivered tidal volume, augment the
pressure delivered to lower airways, and improve alveolar recruitment.46 These
effects increase CO2 elimination and decrease apnea episodes in preterm
infants.
2.3.2 Delivering system
NIPPV can be provided in either synchronized or non-synchronized ways. Most
of the conventional mechanical ventilator can drive a non-synchronized form
of NIPPV. Synchronized NIPPV can be provided by infant flow SiPAP which use of
Graseby capsule over xiphoid process to detect initiation of a breath, or more
recently by neurally adjusted ventilators which use electrical activity of the
diaphragm to detect initiation of a breath.47 Similar to CPAP, the delivering
interface is short and long bi-nasal prongs, single nasopharyngeal tube and
nasal mask.
2.3.3 Efficacy and safety of NIPPV as a non-invasive respiratory support
Initial treatment of respiratory distress in preterm infants with NIPPV was
associated with decreased needs for endotracheal intubation, requirement for
mechanical ventilation at day 3 of life, and requirement for mechanical
ventilation at day 7 of life when compared to nasal CPAP.48 In extremely low
birth-weight infants, Kirpalani and colleagues found no difference in chances to
survive at 36 weeks gestation without BPD between infants managed with NIPPV
or nasal CPAP.49 Ramanathan et al found that preterm infants < 30 weeks who
were immediately extubated within 60 minutes following surfactant therapy to
NIPPV had a lower need for re-intubation, duration of mechanical ventilation,
and BPD compared to infants’ extubation to nasal CPAP.50 Following intubation
surfactant and extubation (INSURE) therapy, the use of NIPPV significantly
decreased the need for re-intubation from 17.6% with nasal CPAP to 6% with
NIPPV.51 Following minimal invasive surfactant therapy (MIST), the use of NIPPV
significantly decreased the need for re-intubation from 29% with nasal CPAP to
13% with NIPPV.52 Lemyre and colleagues conducted two meta-analyses; the
first tested early use of NIPPV as an initial therapy for preterm infants with
respiratory distress and the second tested post-extubation use of NIPPV
compared to nasal CPAP.53,54 As an initial therapy, Lemyre did not find
superiority of NIPPV over nasal CPAP for decreasing respiratory failure and the
need for intubation and mechanical ventilation among preterm infants with
respiratory distress syndrome.54 As a post-extubation service, Lemyre found that
NIPPV decrease the possibility of extubation failure compared to nasal CPAP53.
In a meta-analysis of 50 trials by Ferguson and colleagues to test different
interventions to improve rates of successful extubation in preterm infants, NIPPV
was superior to nasal CPAP in preventing extubation failure (RR, 0.70; 95% CI,
0.60-0.81; NNT, 8)24.
In summary, the authors support the use of NIPPV in situations where apnea is
significant or work of breathing is increasing thereby avoiding intubation and
invasive mechanical ventilation.
However, the routine use of NIPPV in non-
apneic infants is an unjustified escalation of care that can potentially harm the
lungs.55 Of note, non-invasive ventilation can potentially cause all complications
associated
with
mechanical
ventilation
apart
from
intubation-related
complications.
2.3.4 Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP, DUPAP, and SiPAP)
Bi-level positive airway pressure is considered as a form of NIPPV which provides
alternating cycles of low pressure and high pressure CPAP at pre-specified
intervals with longer time on high pressure (inspiratory time) than NIPPV. Similar
to the concept of NIPPV, BiPAP may be beneficial in preterm infants with
increased work of breathing on nasal CPAP or inconsistent respiratory drive with
a difference of allowing infants to breathe on top of both low and high pressure
cycles. The efficacy of BiPAP as a non-invasive respiratory support has been
tested against all other modalities of non invasive ventilation.
Compared to nasal flow CPAP, early use of BiPAP as a primary therapy in
preterm infants with respiratory distress was associated with a significant
decrease in the need for intubation within the first 72 hours of life, and
subsequent intubation after the initial 72 hours with no difference in the
incidence of BPD.56 Compared to bubble CPAP, the early use of BiPAP was
associated with insignificant differences in terms of duration for non-invasive
respiratory support, duration of oxygen therapy, need for invasive ventilation,
BPD, IVH, pneumothorax, need for additional dose of surfactant, and infant
mortality.57 As a post-extubation tool there was no statistically significant benefit
for BiPAP over regular nasal CPAP in terms of decreasing the need for reintubation, oxygen requirement at 36 weeks' corrected gestation, IVH, NEC, or
pneumothorax.58 Compared to other NIPPV, early use of BiPAP as a primary
therapy for preterm infants with RDS did not show difference in terms of needs
for mechanical ventilation or pulmonary outcomes.59 Similarly, early use of BiPAP
compared to HHHFNC as a primary therapy for preterm infants with RDS did not
show a difference in terms of needs for mechanical ventilation, duration of
respiratory support, need for surfactant, air leaks, or BPD.60
2.3.5 Neurally-adjusted non invasive ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA)
Neurally-adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is a form of synchronized NIPPV using
the electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) as a trigger for initiation of assisted
breaths. NAVA has been shown to improve infant-ventilator synchrony, improve
comfort, reduce the requirement for sedation, and reduced the length of
hospital stay.61 Neurally-adjusted non-invasive ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) can
be provided in spontaneously breathing preterm infants via nasal prongs or
single nasal-pharyngeal tube or a mask allowing a leak compensation system
as high as 95%. One theoretical benefit for the NIV-NAVA system is the ability to
diagnose central apnea in preterm infants as of cessation of electrical
diaphragmatic impulses “Edi” which allows for back up breaths to initiate. In
clinical evidence, NIV-NAVA as a post-extubation support for VLBW infants was
associated with an insignificant difference in the rate of re-intubation
compared to nasal CPAP and an insignificant effect on the incidence of BPD,
IVH, pneumothorax or death.62,63 Similarly, NIV-NAVA as a post-extubation
support was associated with an insignificant reduction in the risk of treatment
failure compared to NIPPV (40% compared to 47.4%) without adverse events64.
More clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of NIV-NAVA compared
to nasal CPAP and NIPPV, particularly in the context of the high expenses of Edi
catheters.
2.4
Nasal High Frequency Ventilation (NHFV)
High frequency ventilation can be provided by non-invasive route through
nasal interface. Oscillatory waves with constant frequency generates variable
flow in the nasopharyngeal pouch similar to bubble CPAP with the difference
being that expiratory flow is active in NHFV compared to the passive expiratory
flow in bubble CPAP. This, at least in theory, gives NHFV superiority over nasal
CPAP and NIPPV in terms of CO2 elimination and decrease the frequency of
apnea episodes.65 In preterm infants with respiratory distress, the use of NHFV as
initial therapy compared to nasal CPAP was associated with significant
decrease in the duration of non-invasive respiratory support, significant decline
in the need for mechanical ventilation, significant decrease in the incidence of
IVH without a significant effect on the incidence of pneumothorax, BPD,
pulmonary hemorrhage and NEC.66 Post-extubation use of NHFV was
associated with significant reduction in the reintubation rate and pCO2
concentration compared to nasal CPAP.67 The main side effect of NHFV is
upper airway obstruction secondary to increased thick and viscous secretions
and increased abdominal distention which can be minimized by using a high
frequency and low amplitude strategy to decrease mucous membrane
irritation.68 In summary, it is too early to make a statement of recommendation
for the use of NHFV in the NICU and probably its use should be reserved to
research protocols.
3
Care of Preterm infants on non invasive respiratory support:
3.1
Care of skin and nasal septum
Skin injury is mainly caused by misalignment and improper fixation of the
interface, which results in pressure ulcers and necrosis secondary to a tight
interface against the infant's skin and nose, friction between the interface and
skin as the infant moves, and skin inflammation with secondary infection of
accumulated secretions. Nasal septum injury represents a risk for long-term
nasal disfigurement and cosmetic sequelae. Nasal septum injury is simply
classified into mild (grade I) if redness and hyperaemia exists, moderate (grade
II) if bleeding exists, and severe (grade III) if necrosis exists.17 The application of a
protocalized nursing care bundle includes; regular physical assessment of the
nasal skin, ensuring proper placement of the prongs inside the nostril or the
mask on the nose, ensuring a distance of 2 mm between the nasal septum and
the prongs, delivering humidified gas, using a tape to secure the nasal prongs,
daily gentle massage for the nasal septum and bridge, lubrication of nasal skin
with hydrogel, use of hydrocolloid skin barriers, and use of antimicrobial
ointment for skin breakdown have been shown to reduce the risk of nasal injury
with non invasive ventilation.69 Without meticulous attention to nasal care, all
types of interfaces used to deliver non-invasive ventilation can potentially cause
injury to the skin, nasal septum and deformity in the nose of preterm infants.
Training of staff and having reliability measures to erasure compliance with
nasal care are critical to prevent nasal injury.
3.2
Developmental positioning
Preterm infants are preferred to lie in a midline position during the first 72 hours
of life to minimize the risk of intra-ventricular hemorrhage.70 However, prolonged
lie on one position increases preterm infant's stress responses and pain
sensation.71 Moreover, keeping preterm infants in one position for a long time
increases the risk of skull deformities like brachycephaly, dolichocephaly, or
plagiocephaly at term equivalent age which may later require intervention with
physiotherapy or using helmets.72 Nursing preterm infants in prone position was
found to improve quality of sleep and decrease stress responses compared to
supine position.71 Left lateral position and prone position were associated with
higher arterial oxygen saturation and tidal volume and better synchronization of
thoraco-abdominal movement compared to supine position in preterm infants
supported with CPAP.73 Preterm infants nursed on right lateral position were
associated with increased incidence of gastro-esophageal reflux, particularly
fluid reflux, compared to left lateral position.74 Skin-to-skin (kangaroo) care was
associated with significant positive effects on physiological functions such as
respiration rate, increasing maternal-infant attachment, and reducing maternal
stress.75 In summary, it is recommended for preterm infants supported with CPAP
to alternate positions similar to other newborns. Nasal interface and breathing
circuits should be adjusted when alternating positions to prevent nasal injury.
4
Keys to improve non invasive ventilation practice
Owing to variability in clinical practice among health care professionals,
preterm infants managed with NIV have varied clinical responses and
outcomes. Standardization of practice and developing clear pathway for NIV
are important for its success. The pathway should include early use of NIV in the
delivery room, bedside care and checklist, and algorithm for escalation of care.
A full bundle of care that includes non-respiratory elements can increase the
success rate with the use of CPAP; components of the bundle could include
transfusion practice, fluid management, caloric intake, ductus arteriosus
management and use of caffeine.21 Establishment of a collaborative
multidisciplinary team including physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and
speech and physical therapists, who are experienced with management of
preterm infants is an important key to successful practice. Maintaining the
infant's comfort during non-invasive ventilation care and frequent clinical
assessment of infants reduce the incidence of complications and increase trust
of the health care practitioner on the efficacy of NIV.
Summary and Conclusions
In summary, non invasive ventilation has been widely used in the treatment of
respiratory insufficiency in preterm infants with significant improvement in
neonatal outcomes compared to invasive mechanical ventilation. Multiple trials
were conducted on different modes of NIV. Interestingly, the outcomes of the
same mode of support differed widely among centers; that highlights the
critical importance of bedside skills to successfully support an infant with NIV.
Therefore, when reviewing available literature, it is important to evaluate the
baseline incidence of BPD in addition to relative risks and risk reduction. The
control group in one study may have significantly higher BPD incidence
compared to other centers using the same mode of support which needs to be
considered when interpreting results.
However, general highlights of NIV
include: 1) the lowest incidence of BPD were reported from centers
experienced with the use bubble CPAP. The claim that all CPAP systems are
equally efficacious does not have data to support it, 2) HFNC, despite its
tempting ease of use, was shown repeatedly as an inferior therapy when
compared to CPAP, and 3) the use of NIPPV is a better alternative than invasive
mechanical ventilation in infants with significant apnea and increased work of
breathing while supported with CPAP. It is considered unjustified escalation of
care for stable infants who could otherwise be supported with CPAP (Table 1).
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Table 1. Summary of different non-invasive modalities for respiratory support
Mode of support
Pros
CPAP
CPAP
Cons
stimulates
lung Requires
experience
growth in preterm infants and hand on training
before success can be
Bubble
is reproduced
CPAP
associated with lowest
incidence
multiple
of
BPD
in
anecdotal
reports
Non-invasive
positive Is a good option to use It
pressure ventilation
when
infants
central
increased
apnea
is
considered
an
have escalation of care that
and can be associated with
work
breathing
of lung
injury
excessively
if
used
as
a
replacement to CPAP
High flow nasal cannula
It is easy to use and It is an inferior therapy
comfortable to infants
when
used
as
the
primary mode of support