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Initial stabilisation of preterm infants: a new resuscitation system with low imposed work of breathing for use with face mask or nasal prongs
  1. Snorri Donaldsson1,2,
  2. Thomas Drevhammar2,3,
  3. Leena Taittonen4,
  4. Stina Klemming1,
  5. Baldvin Jonsson1,2
  1. 1Department of Neonatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
  2. 2Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
  3. 3Department of Anaesthesiology and ICU, Östersund Hospital, Östersund, Sweden
  4. 4Department of Paediatrics, Vaasa Central Hospital, Vaasa, Finland
  1. Correspondence to Dr Snorri Donaldsson H1:02 Neonatology Unit, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden; snorri.donaldsson{at}karolinska.se

Abstract

Objective T-piece resuscitation systems are pressure unstable and have high imposed work of breathing (iWOB). Pressure stable respiratory support with low iWOB might improve outcome. We have developed a new resuscitation system that can be used with nasal prongs or face mask. The aim of the study was to describe the in vitro performance of the new system and to perform a clinical feasibility trial of initial stabilisation of preterm infants.

Method A mechanical lung model was used to determine iWOB at increasing levels of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The feasibility trial included 36 infants (27–34 weeks of gestation), who were randomised into three groups (T-piece, new system with face mask or new system with prongs). Collected data included problems with usage, safety, time to stable breathing, need for positive pressure ventilation and intubation.

Results In the mechanical lung model, the new system reduced iWOB with 91.5% (mask) and 86.6% (medium prongs) compared with Neopuff (4 cm CPAP, p<0.001). Informed consent was obtained from 45 patients, 39 were randomised and 36 needed support. Randomisation resulted in an imbalance: The group of new system infants had lower gestational age compared with the T-piece group. Thirteen patients needed positive pressure ventilation (median 20 cm H2O). One infant was intubated. The study did not reveal problems with the equipment or safety.

Conclusions Compared with T-piece systems, the new system had a marked reduction in iWOB in bench tests. The feasibility trial did not reveal problems with usability or safety.

  • Resuscitation
  • Continuous positive airway pressure
  • Infant, premature
  • Positive pressure ventilation

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