Randomised cross-over study of automated oxygen control for preterm infants receiving nasal high flow
ObjectiveTo evaluate a prototype automated controller (IntellO2) of the inspired fraction of oxygen (FiO2) in maintaining a target range of oxygen saturation (SpO2) in preterm babies receiving nasal high flow (HF) via the Vapotherm Precision Flow.DesignProspective two-centre order-randomised cross-over study.SettingNeonatal intensive care units.PatientsPreterm infants receiving HF with FiO2 ≥25%.InterventionAutomated versus manual control of FiO2 to maintain a target SpO2 range of 90%–95% (or 90%–100% if FiO2=21%).Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was per cent of time spent within target SpO2 range. Secondary outcomes included the overall proportion and durations of SpO2 within specified hyperoxic and hypoxic ranges and the number of in-range episodes per hour.ResultsData were analysed from 30 preterm infants with median (IQR) gestation at birth of 26 (24–27) weeks, study age of 29 (18–53) days and study weight 1080 (959–1443) g. The target SpO2 range was achieved 80% of the time on automated (IntellO2) control (IQR 70%–87%) compared with 49% under manual control (IQR 40%–57%; p<0.0001). There were fewer episodes of SpO2 below 80% lasting at least 60 s under automated control (0 (IQR 0–1.25)) compared with manual control (5 (IQR 2.75–14)). There were no differences in the number of episodes per hour of SpO2 above 98% (4.5 (IQR 1.8–8.5) vs 5.5 (IQR 1.9–14); p=0.572) between the study arms.ConclusionsThe IntellO2 automated oxygen controller maintained patients in the target SpO2 range significantly better than manual adjustments in preterm babies receiving HF.Trial registration numberNCT02074774.