ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether synchronized nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (SNIPPV) would decrease extubation failure compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) in preterm infants being ventilated for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). METHODS: Infants who were =34 weeks' gestational age and who were ventilated for RDS were randomized to either SNIPPV or NCPAP after extubation. The criteria for extubation were peak inspiratory pressure of =16 cm H(2)O, positive end expiratory pressure of =5 cm H(2)O, intermittent mandatory ventilation rate of 15 to 25, and fraction of inspired oxygen =0.35. Pulmonary function tests (PFT) were obtained before extubation. After extubation, blood gases were monitored for a minimum of 72 hours. Success was defined as remaining in the selected mode of treatment or demonstrating improvement (switching to oxyhood/nasal cannula/room air) by 72 hours. RESULTS: Thirty-two (94%) of 34 infants were extubated successfully with the use of SNIPPV versus 18 (60%) of 30 with the use of NCPAP (P <.01). There was no difference in apnea/bradycardia episodes in the 2 groups during the 72-hour study period. Among 55 infants who had PFT, 80% (8 of 10) with dynamic lung compliance of >/=0.5 mL/kg/cm H(2)O and expiratory airway resistance of =70 cm H(2)O/L/s were extubated successfully. In infants with poor lung function (dynamic lung compliance: <0.5 mL/kg/cm H(2)O; expiratory airway resistance: >70 cm H(2)O/L/s), successful extubation was seen in 93% (27 of 29) in the SNIPPV group and 60% (15 of 25) in the NCPAP group. When weight was controlled for at the time of extubation, the odds of success in the SNIPPV group were 21.1 times higher (95% confidence interval: 3.4, 130.1) than that of the NCPAP group. CONCLUSIONS: SNIPPV is more effective than NCPAP in weaning infants with RDS from the ventilator. PFT may be useful in predicting successful extubation.
Subject(s)
Intermittent Positive-Pressure Ventilation , Positive-Pressure Respiration , Ventilator Weaning/methods , Female , Humans , Infant , Infant, Newborn , Male , Positive-Pressure Respiration/methods , Prospective Studies , Respiratory Function Tests , Treatment OutcomeABSTRACT
The objective of this study was to identify the most efficient and cost-effective nebulizer device for delivery of albuterol aerosol as a bronchodilator in ventilated preterm infants. Bronchodilators are frequently used as part of the therapeutic regimen of ventilated preterm infants. This can be delivered by different types of nebulizers like the Jet or metered dose inhaler (MDI) spacer device. Fifty-three premature infants being ventilated for RDS (24 to 34 weeks of gestation) were studied just prior to extubation. Twenty-four of them received standard doses of albuterol aerosol via Jet nebulizer and 29 via MDI-spacer. Heart rate, respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, lung compliance, and airway resistance were monitored prior and 15 minutes after albuterol delivery. There were significant changes in the parameters studied between pre- and postnebulizer treatment. In both groups, there was a significant improvement in lung function as evidenced by 13-24% decreased airway resistance (RAWE) and 3-7% increased lung compliance (CDYN). There was also a beneficial clinical response as demonstrated by increased oxygen saturations. These findings suggest that both MDI-spacer and Jet nebulizer are equally effective in delivering the albuterol aerosol to the lower respiratory tract. Since a small dose of albuterol delivered via the MDI-spacer improved lung function as effectively as a higher dose via the Jet nebulizer, the MDI-spacer would be the preferred mode of aerosol administration, especially because it takes only 2 minutes to deliver it. Furthermore, it was also cost-effective as one MDI-spacer treatment costs 2 cents, while a Jet treatment costs 10 cents in our neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
Subject(s)
Albuterol/administration & dosage , Bronchodilator Agents/administration & dosage , Infant, Premature, Diseases/drug therapy , Nebulizers and Vaporizers , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/drug therapy , Administration, Inhalation , Humans , Infant, Newborn , Infant, Premature , Infant, Premature, Diseases/physiopathology , Prospective Studies , Respiration, Artificial , Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Newborn/physiopathologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) is frequently a benign condition in infancy with spontaneous resolution. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), however, it can add to neonatal morbidity if not adequately diagnosed and treated. The objective of the current study was to analyze factors associated with GER in infants in the NICU and correlate them with the severity of the disease. METHODS: All infants in the NICU (n = 150; born November 1994 through April 1999) who were evaluated by a five-channel pH study to rule out GER were included in the study. Infants were grouped as normal, with a reflux index (RI) of less than 6 (n = 66); mild, with RI of 6 to 14 (n = 42); and severe, with RI of more than 14 (n = 42). Maternal and neonatal data were obtained. Clinical GER was defined as the presence of feeding problems (significant gastric residue or emesis) and medical improvement with antireflux measures and medications. RESULTS: There was no difference in birth weight, gestational age; incidence of patent ductus arteriosus, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, or chronic lung disease; and treatment with aminophylline or caffeine among the groups. Infants with mild and severe GER (RI 6-14 and >14) had significantly more clinical GER than the normal group (P = 0.0001). Additionally, infants with RI more than 14 had significantly more respiratory distress syndrome, lower hematocrits at the time of study and longer length of stay than those with no or mild GER (P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Infants with severe GER had lower hematocrits despite receiving more blood transfusions and iron therapy. Infants with severe GER also had prolonged hospital stays. Early diagnosis and aggressive management of GER may decrease neonatal morbidity and result in earlier discharge from the NICU.