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  • Original Article
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Nasal continuous positive airway pressure from high flow cannula versus Infant Flow for preterm infants

Abstract

Objective:

To compare the feasibility of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) support generated by high flow nasal cannula with conventional CPAP for prevention of reintubation among preterm infants with a birth weight of 1250 g.

Study Design:

Preterm infants were randomized to CPAP generated via high flow cannula or the Infant Flow Nasal CPAP System (VIASYS, Conshohocken, PA, USA) at extubation. Primary outcome was incidence of reintubation within 7 days. Secondary outcomes included change in oxygen use and frequency of apnea and bradycardias postextubation.

Results:

Forty neonates were randomized. Twelve of 20 infants randomized to high flow cannula CPAP were reintubated compared to three of 20 using Infant Flow (P=0.003). The high flow cannula group had increased oxygen use and more apneas and bradycardias postextubation.

Conclusions:

CPAP delivered by high flow nasal cannula failed to maintain extubation status among preterm infants 1250 g as effectively as Infant Flow CPAP.

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Acknowledgements

We would like to thank Ms Shafah Fallagh, PhD for her role as a statistical consultant on this paper. Financial support provided by Physician Services Incorporated Foundation Toronto, Canada (02-29R).

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Correspondence to D M Campbell.

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Campbell, D., Shah, P., Shah, V. et al. Nasal continuous positive airway pressure from high flow cannula versus Infant Flow for preterm infants. J Perinatol 26, 546–549 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jp.7211561

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