Bubble-CPAP in Neonatal Unit of TUTH.

Introduction: Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) in newborn babies with respiratory distress reduces requirement for mechanical ventilation thereby decreasing referral to higher centre. In our neonatal unit prior to the use of this intervention, morbidity and mortality associated with respiratory distress was significant which has decreased after we started CPAP in Kartik 2065 (October 2008) including a decrease in referrals to higher centre for ventilator support.The objective of this study was to evaluate the outcome of bubbling CPAP in newborn babies who had respiratory distress. Methods: Observational study done in neonatal unit of TUTH over a period of 3 months i.e from Kartik to Poush 2065 B.S (mid of October to mid of January,2008) Results: 127 neonates were admitted, of whom 15 babies with respiratory distress (11.8% of total admissions) received CPAP. 11 babies improved, while 4 babies died. Among those attending follow up (8 babies) none had any features of chronic lung disease. Conclusion: In resource poor settings where level II neonatal care is already exists; CPAP can be easily applied for newborn babies with respiratory distress with promising results and it helps to decrease neonatal morbidity and mortality.