Nasal High-Flow for Weaning Preterm Newborns with Risk of Chronic Lung Disease from nCPAP

Objective The aim of the study is to compare the duration of oxygen therapy by using two methods of weaning from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) in very preterm babies. Study Design Between April 2014 and December 2016, 90 preterm <32 weeks and birthweight >1,000 g who, after at least 7 days on nCPAP, were clinically stable on <6 cm H2O and FiO2 <30% were randomly assigned to weaning directly from nCPAP or with nasal high flow therapy (nHFT). In the nCPAP group, pressure was gradually reduced until the infant was stable on 4 cm H2O and then discontinued. In the nHFT group, flow rate was reduced until the infant was stable at 3.l pm and then discontinued. Results Eighty-four infants completed the study. There were no differences between the groups for the primary outcome, duration of oxygen therapy (median 33 [14–48] versus 28 [15–37] days; p = 0.17). The incidence of moderate-to-severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia was similar. Weaning time was shorter in the nCPAP group (p = 0.02), but the failure rate was slightly higher although non-significant. In the nHFT group, we observed better perception of patient comfort and a lower incidence of severe nasal injury. Conclusion Weaning by nHFT compared with weaning directly off nCPAP does not prolong duration of oxygen therapy. Rather, it is associated with better perceptions of infant comfort among parents and lower rates of severe nasal injury. Key Points

The SHINE Trial (A Multicentre, Randomised Trial of Stabilisation with Nasal High Flow During Neonatal Endotracheal Intubation): Statistical Analysis Plan

Endotracheal intubation is an essential but potentially destabilising procedure for neonates. With an increased focus on avoiding mechanical ventilation, particularly in preterm infants, there are fewer opportunities for clinicians to gain proficiency in this important emergency skill. Rates of successful intubation at the first attempt are relatively low, and adverse event rates including desaturation and bradycardia are high, when compared with intubations in paediatric and adult populations. Interventions to improve operator success and patient stability during neonatal endotracheal intubations are needed. Using nasal high flow therapy during apnoea extends the safe apnoea time of adults undergoing upper airway surgery and during endotracheal intubation [1]. This technique is untested in neonates.

Efficacy and Safety of Two Different Flow Rates of Nasal High-Flow Therapy in Preterm Neonates ≥28 Weeks of Gestation: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of two different nasal high-flow rates for primary respiratory support in preterm neonates Study Design In this single-center, double-blinded randomized controlled trial, preterm neonates ≥28 weeks of gestation with respiratory distress from birth were randomized to treatment with either increased nasal flow therapy (8–10 L/min) or standard nasal flow therapy (5–7 L/min). The primary outcome of nasal high-flow therapy failure was a composite outcome defined as the need for higher respiratory support (continuous positive airway pressure [CPAP] or mechanical ventilation) or surfactant therapy. Results A total of 212 neonates were enrolled. Nasal high-flow failure rate in the increased flow group was similar to the standard flow group (22 vs. 29%, relative risk = 0.81 [95% confidence interval: 0.57–1.15]). However, nasal flow rate escalation was significantly more common in the standard flow group (64 vs. 43%, p = 0.004). None of the infants in the increased flow group developed air leak syndromes. Conclusion Higher nasal flow rate (8–10 L/min) when compared with lower nasal flow rate of 5 to 7 L/min did not reduce the need for higher respiratory support (CPAP/mechanical ventilation) or surfactant therapy in moderately and late preterm neonates. However, initial flow rates of 5 L/min were not optimal for most preterm infants receiving primary nasal flow therapy. Key Points