CPAP vs.Unsynchronized NIPPV at Equal Mean Airway Pressure

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

This is a pilot clinical trial to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of two commonly used types of non-invasive respiratory support. Preterm infants < 34 weeks gestational age, who are stable on either of the two modalities of support will be studied in a cross-over study design, such that each ...

This is a pilot clinical trial to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of two commonly used types of non-invasive respiratory support. Preterm infants < 34 weeks gestational age, who are stable on either of the two modalities of support will be studied in a cross-over study design, such that each subject acts as his/her own control. The study will assess the relative efficacy of these modalities when used with equal mean airway pressure comparing measures of oxygenation, CO2 removal, apnea/bradycardia/desaturation events and work of breathing. The initial phase of the study is complete and preliminary analysis supports the hypothesis that there is no difference between the modalities when the mean airway pressure is equal. However we recognized that use of the RAM cannula, which does not transmit pressure effectively is an important study limitation. The findings are valid, but may only be applicable to this interface, which is widely used, but increasingly recognized as flawed. We are now extending the study to determine if the findings will be the same when short bi-nasal prongs are used.

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