Performance and safety of the PRICO closed-loop oxygen saturation targeting system in neonates: pragmatic multicentre cross-over study (TarOx Study).

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the performance of the fabian-Predictive-Intelligent-Control-of-Oxygenation (PRICO) system for automated control of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2). DESIGN: Multicentre randomised cross-over study. SETTING: Five neonatal intensive care units experienced with automated control of FiO2 and the fabian ventilator. PATIENTS: 39 infants: median gestational age of 27 weeks (IQR: 26-30), postnatal age 7 days (IQR: 2-17), weight 1120 g (IQR: 915-1588), FiO2 0.32 (IQR: 0.22-0.43) receiving both non-invasive (27) and invasive (12) respiratory support. INTERVENTION: Randomised sequential 24-hour periods of automated and manual FiO2 control. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Proportion (%) of time in normoxaemia (90%-95% with FiO2>0.21 and 90%-100% when FiO2=0.21) was the primary endpoint. Secondary endpoints were severe hypoxaemia (<80%) and severe hyperoxaemia (>98% with FiO2>0.21) and prevalence of episodes ≥60 s at these two SpO2 extremes. RESULTS: During automated control, subjects spent more time in normoxaemia (74%±22% vs 51%±22%, p<0.001) with less time above and below (<90% (9%±8% vs 12%±11%, p<0.001) and >95% with FiO2>0.21 (16%±19% vs 35%±24%) p<0.001). They spent less time in severe hyperoxaemia (1% (0%-3.5%) vs 5% (1%-10%), p<0.001) but exposure to severe hypoxaemia was low in both arms and not different. The differences in prolonged episodes of SpO2 were consistent with the times at extremes. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the ability of the PRICO automated oxygen control algorithm to improve the maintenance of SpO2 in normoxaemia and to avoid hyperoxaemia without increasing hypoxaemia.

Extremely Preterm Infant Admissions Within the SafeBoosC-III Consortium During the COVID-19 Lockdown.

Objective: To evaluate if the number of admitted extremely preterm (EP) infants (born before 28 weeks of gestational age) differed in the neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) of the SafeBoosC-III consortium during the global lockdown when compared to the corresponding time period in 2019. Design: This is a retrospective, observational study. Forty-six out of 79 NICUs (58%) from 17 countries participated. Principal investigators were asked to report the following information: (1) Total number of EP infant admissions to their NICU in the 3 months where the lockdown restrictions were most rigorous during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, (2) Similar EP infant admissions in the corresponding 3 months of 2019, (3) the level of local restrictions during the lockdown period, and (4) the local impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the everyday life of a pregnant woman. Results: The number of EP infant admissions during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic was 428 compared to 457 in the corresponding 3 months in 2019 (-6.6%, 95% CI -18.2 to +7.1%, p = 0.33). There were no statistically significant differences within individual geographic regions and no significant association between the level of lockdown restrictions and difference in the number of EP infant admissions. A post-hoc analysis based on data from the 46 NICUs found a decrease of 10.3%in the total number of NICU admissions (n = 7,499 in 2020 vs. n = 8,362 in 2019). Conclusion: This ad hoc study did not confirm previous reports of a major reduction in the number of extremely pretermbirths during the first phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrial.gov, identifier: NCT04527601 (registered August 26, 2020), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04527601.

Ultrasound image of healthy skin in newborns in the first 24 hours of life.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound imaging is a safe, repeatable and easily available imaging procedure. Based on these qualities, it may become a useful tool for skin assessment in newborns. Aims: The aim of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of high-frequency ultrasound imaging for neonatal skin assessment. Another aim was to identify differences in ultrasound features of the skin in newborns depending on the examination site, sex, age, birth weight, and arterial blood gas results. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A total of 72 newborns in the first 24 hours of life, without any skin lesions, were included in the study. All newborns underwent ultrasound skin examinations in three body sites (forearm, abdomen and thigh) during the first 24 hours of life. DermaMed Ultrasound Scanner with a 48 MHz probe was used for imaging. A total of three structures were identified in the ultrasound images: epidermal echo, dermis, and subcutaneous tissue. The study assessed the thickness of the epidermis and dermis, and the echogenicity of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue. Data were analysed to determine possible links with sex, post-conceptional age, body weight, birth route, and results of umbilical cord blood gas analysis. RESULTS: Depending on the body site examined, the mean epidermal thickness was 0.081 to 0.083 mm, while the mean thickness of the dermis ranged between 0.679 and 0.722 mm. The newborns with higher birth weights were shown to have a thicker epidermis regardless of the examined site [R (correlation coefficient) for the forearm: 0.47 (p <0.001), abdomen: 0.53 (p <0.001), thigh: 0.48 (p <0.001)]. A positive correlation was found between epidermal and dermal thickness (R = 0.34; p = 0.004), but a comparison of the three examined sites revealed no significant differences in the thickness of the two structures. The sex of the newborn had no significant effect on the ultrasound features of the skin. None of the ultrasound parameters under study was found to correlate with the pH level in umbilical cord blood gas analysis. Subcutaneous oedema was detected in the examined sites in all the newborns studied. CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency ultrasound imaging may become a useful method for neonatal skin assessment, complementing existing diagnostic techniques for monitoring pathologically altered skin.

Perception and practice of breastfeeding in public in Poland.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to get to know polish women's opinions and experiences regarding breastfeeding in public. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A one-time 11-question survey aimed at women during lactation or breastfeeding in the past who completed a paper questionnaire or online questionnaire on the website (www.laktacja.pl). The study was conducted electronically from 1 September 2019 to 31 March 2020 in Maternity and Neonatal Departments, primary health-care clinics in various Polish cities. Data from 700 questionnaires were statistically analysed with the use of Pearson's chi-squared test of independency or Fisher's exacts test when applicable (small cell counts). RESULTS: 90% of the surveyed women expressed the opinion that it should be possible to breastfeed in public, and 78% of women have had such an experience. Most often it was their own cars, a room for a mother and child, a hall or just a place available when there was a need to feed the child (e.g., a bench, cafe, toilet). About 10% of women faced criticism while breastfeeding in a public place, and 8.6% of women have never breastfed the child out of the house due to the lack of proper place and conditions, embarrassment and no sympathy from other people. CONCLUSION: Taking into account the benefits of long-term breastfeeding and the comfort of breastfeeding women, their children and the environment, it is necessary to create dedicated places for breastfeeding in public places.

Factors affecting the differentiation of the apgar score and the biochemical correlation of fetal well-being - A prospective observational clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to identify the features of both the labor and the assisting physicians when evaluating the newborn according to the Apgar score and how these correlate with the biochemical markers of fetal well-being in order to make the Apgar score more objective. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective observational clinical study conducted in a 3rd reference level center between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015. The study enrolled 17 neonatologists and 1527 term newborns. RESULTS: The Apgar score is highest after natural vaginal delivery, lower after instrumental labor (p <0.001). The pH of the umbilical cord blood and lactate concentration correlate better with a high score than with a lowered one. The young age of a physician does not reduce Apgar score reliability. There were no differences in Apgar assessment according to physicians' training and the time of labor. There were no correlations between abnormalities in postnatal central nervous system ultrasound and the Apgar score. CONCLUSION: Biochemical tests of umbilical cord blood significantly increase the Apgar score reliability.

Methods for assessing the severity of perinatal asphyxia and early prognostic tools in neonates with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy treated with therapeutic hypothermia.

Despite the progress in perinatal care, perinatal asphyxia (PA) remains a significant problem in neonatology. The development of therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has improved the prognosis, but it still remains uncertain in hypoxic neonates. The evaluation of the severity of ischemia/hypoxia after birth is crucial to the choice of treatment, and with accurate long-term prognosis, appropriate further patient care can be planned. This article presents various methods for the preliminary assessment of brain damage and prognosis in newborns with PA treated with TH. The importance of assessing the neurological condition and the usefulness of laboratory and electrophysiological testing and imaging are discussed. New methods are also noted, which are at the stage of clinical trials. A combination of the prognostic tests presented in this article can provide greater prognostic accuracy for predicting long-term neurological outcomes in infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) undergoing TH than either of these tests independently. Acknowledging the limitations of individual tools in certain clinical situations and the integration of the information available from multiple biomarkers may help improve the accuracy of prognostication.

Evaluation of two SpO2 alarm strategies during automated FiO2 control in the NICU: a randomized crossover study.

BACKGROUND: Changes in oxygen saturation (SpO2) exposure have been shown to have a marked impact on neonatal outcomes and therefore careful titration of inspired oxygen is essential. In routine use, however, the frequency of SpO2 alarms not requiring intervention results in alarm fatigue and its corresponding risk. SpO2 control systems that automate oxygen adjustments (Auto-FiO2) have been shown to be safe and effective. We speculated that when using Auto-FiO2, alarm settings could be refined to reduce unnecessary alarms, without compromising safety. METHODS: An unblinded randomized crossover study was conducted in a single NICU among infants routinely managed with Auto-FiO2. During the first 6 days of respiratory support a tight and a loose alarm strategy were switched each 24 h. A balanced block randomization was used. The tight strategy set the alarms at the prescribed SpO2 target range, with a 30-s delay. The loose strategy set the alarms 2 wider, with a 90-s delay. The effectiveness outcome was the frequency of SpO2 alarms, and the safety outcomes were time at SpO2 extremes (< 80, > 98%). We hypothesized that the loose strategy would result in a marked decrease in the frequency of SpO2 alarms, and no increases at SpO2 extremes with 20 subjects. Within subject differences between alarm strategies for the primary outcomes were evaluated with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. RESULTS: During a 13-month period 26 neonates were randomized. The analysis included 21 subjects with 49 days of both tight and loose intervention. The loose alarm strategy resulted in a reduction in the median rate of SpO2 alarms from 5.2 to 1.6 per hour (p <  0.001, 95%-CI difference 1.6-3.7). The incidence of hypoxemia and hyperoxemia were very low (less than 0.1%-time) with no difference associated with the alarm strategy (95%-CI difference less than 0.0-0.2%). CONCLUSIONS: In this group of infants we found a marked advantage of the looser alarm strategy. We conclude that the paradigms of alarm strategies used for manual titration of oxygen need to be reconsidered when using Auto-FiO2. We speculate that with optimal settings false positive SpO2 alarms can be minimized, with better vigilance of clinically relevant alarms. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Retrospectively registered 15 May 2018 at ISRCTN ( 49239883 ).

Do drugs used in obstetric anesthesia interfere with early breastfeeding? What determines drug safety in lactation? Part 1.

The issues concerning the transfer of drugs into mothers' milk and their influence on breastfed babies have not been fully studied. Assessment of the situation should include such aspects as drug transfer into fetal blood and into mother's milk, the real risk of inhibiting lactogenesis 2 in women after birth, as well as the psychological consequences for the mother of suspending breastfeeding. The risk of feeding a newborn with formula based on cow's milk is another fateful issue. The following paper presents the pharmacokinetic characteristics of drugs which determine their transfer level through the placenta and into mother's milk during the perinatal period and lactation.

Do drugs used in obstetric anesthesia interfere with early breastfeeding? Characteristics of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of certain drugs. Part 2.

Cesarean section requires the administration of drugs that should be limited to specific medical indications. It is important to remember that most of the available and currently administered anesthetics can affect the fetus and the newborn. In obstetric anesthesia, only such medication that demonstrates a beneficial pharmacokinetic profile and maximum effectiveness should be administered. In this article, the authors reviewed the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of the drugs used during anesthesia in obstetric procedures. The analysis of the influence of these drugs on the clinical condition of the newborn at birth and during breastfeeding was also presented. Drug safety was determined in the aspect of lactation and natural feeding.

Effects of oral probiotic supplementation on gut Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium populations and the clinical status of low-birth-weight preterm neonates: a multicenter randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

AIM: Probiotic bacteria administered directly after birth to preterm neonates may improve gastrointestinal function and may reduce the incidence of late-onset sepsis, which is a frequent complication in this group. PURPOSE: The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether a new probiotic bacterial mixture of Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL53A and Bifidobacterium breve PB04 given to preterm, low-birth-weight neonates would influence composition of their gut microbiota and sepsis rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted in clinical centers of neonatal care in Poland. A probiotic or placebo preparation was given twice daily to 181 preterm low-birth-weight neonates who were eligible for enteral feeding between July 2012 and July 2013. The probiotic was given to 90 neonates, while placebo was given to 91 neonates. The gut microbiota was monitored by microbiological analysis of stool samples. Sepsis episodes were detected on the basis of clinical and laboratory findings and confirmed by blood cultures. RESULTS: Tested probiotic administration resulted in continuous increase of the Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium counts in the gut microbiota. The applied tested strains successfully colonized the neonates gut since they were present in over 90% of stool samples, which was confirmed by molecular analysis. Regardless of the study group (probiotic or placebo), B. breve colonization correlated with lower staphylococcal sepsis incidence, which was irrespective of whether probiotics were given. No sepsis case caused by strains included in study probiotic was recorded. CONCLUSION: Appropriately selected and characterized probiotic bacteria may be safely given to preterm neonates to normalize their distorted gut microbiota and may contribute to lower staphylococcal sepsis rates.

Factors affecting the differentiation of the Apgar score and the biochemical correlation of fetal well-being - a prospective observational clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: Objective: The purpose of the study was to identify the features of both the labor and the assisting physicians when evaluating the newborn according to the Apgar score and how these correlate with the biochemical markers of fetal well-being in order to make the Apgar score more objective. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: A prospective observational clinical study conducted in a 3rd reference level center between 1st April 2014 and 31st March 2015. The study enrolled 17 neonatologists and 1527 term newborns. RESULTS: Results: The Apgar score is highest after natural vaginal delivery, lower after instrumental labor (p <0.001). The pH of the umbilical cord blood and lactate concentration correlate better with a high score than with a lowered one. The young age of a physician does not reduce Apgar score reliability. There were no differences in Apgar assessment according to physicians' training and the time of labor. There were no correlations between abnormalities in postnatal central nervous system ultrasound and the Apgar score. CONCLUSION: Conclusion: Biochemical tests of umbilical cord blood significantly increase the Apgar score reliability.

[Parents avoiding child vaccination in the neonatal period - an analysis of attitudes].

OBJECTIVE: Parents' avoidance of vaccination is a growing phenomenon and leads to the deterioration of the epidemiological situation regarding diseases included in active prevention programs. The aim of the study was to analyze the attitudes of parents who avoid vaccination in newborns. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Material and methods: The study included parents who refused to perform vaccination in theirnewborn. A survey analyzing the attitudes of parents avoiding vaccination in newborns was performed in a tertiary referral hospital in the years 2015-2017. We gathered information concerning their demographic data, comprising the reasons for their decision, information sources and the implementation of vaccination in a child after six months.. RESULTS: Results: We observed an increase in the number of parents avoiding vaccination in the years 2015-2017 (1.58%, 2.54%, 2.83% respectively). The parents were mature (age 31.5-34.5 years), usually with university education (93%). 63% had more than one child. In large families, 67% of the parents had vaccinated their older children. The lack of honest medical information from the personnel, negative opinions from the Internet and other parents were the reasons for avoiding vaccination. CONCLUSION: Conclusions: The insufficient activity of the medical personnel and the strong influence of anti-vaxxers' opinions, which is easily accessible on social media, are the reasons for the nonoptimal implementation of the vaccination program. It is necessary to spread honest knowledge about the epidemiological threats concerning vaccine-preventable diseases and develop a skillful way of distributing it through all the possible ways of communication.

Risk factors for adverse events after vaccinations performed during the initial hospitalization of infants born prematurely.

INTRODUCTION: There are significant delays in implementing vaccination among preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: Description of the frequency and kinds of adverse events following immunization in preterms. Establishment of the group of preterms who will distinctively be susceptible to adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Demographical, clinical data and the occurrence of adverse events after DTaP, HIB and pneumococcal vaccination among preterms during their initial hospitalization were prospectively collected with the use of an electronic data form between 1st June 2011 and 31st May 2015. The analysis was conducted on 138 patients. The groups were divided according to maturity (I: ≤ GA 28w n=73 and GA 29-36 w n=65). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in the occurrence of adverse events. Out of the total group, following vaccination apnoea developed in 6 newborns (4%) and activity dysfunctions were observed in 13 newborns (10%). The occurrence of apnoea after vaccination positively correlated with the time of non-invasive ventilation and the occurrence of late infection. There were no statistically significant demographical or clinical risk factors for the development of activity dysfunctions following vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Term vaccination in clinically stable preterm infants is a safe medical procedure. However, long-term non-invasive respiratory support and late infections are risk factors for apnea following vaccinations. In these patients vaccinations should be considered during hospitalization.

Quicker response results in better SpO2 control - a comparison of 3 FiO2-titration strategies in ventilated preterm infants.

INTRODUCTION: The impact of SpO2 target ranges (TR) has been carefully studied; however, reports suggest a wide variation among infants and centres in maintaining the intended range. Little is known about the effectiveness of different approaches to manual control. Auto-SpO2 controllers are now available which show promise. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to compare two different protocol-driven manual strategies with different response requirements to each other, and a faster automated system (AveaCLiO2, Yorba Linda, CA, USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a crossover design, each of the three FiO2/SpO2 approaches was implemented in three randomly assigned consecutive 2.5-hour runs. The two manual strategies (Attentive and Observational) were implemented by a trained operator. The primary endpoints were time in 1) SpO2 TR, 2) < 80% SpO2 and 3) >98% SpO2. RESULTS: Fifteen studies were completed. All three approaches resulted in good control, with time in the target range >60%. CLiO2 use reflected reduced exposure at the two SpO2 extremes. Post hoc analysis determined that the differences were more marked in the infants with more frequent desaturations. Likewise, in this group, the Attentive strategy performed better than the Observative. CONCLUSIONS: All three approaches provided excellent control of SpO2 in infants with infrequent desaturations, significantly better than typical routine care. In hard to manage infants with frequent desaturations, faster response appeared to result in better control. The potential of automating the tedious error prone FiO2 adjustment offers significant promise. If manual titration of FiO2 is to remain the usual method of care, additional studies are needed to identify optimal approaches.

Oxidative stress and total antioxidant status in term newborns and their mothers.

UNLABELLED: The peripartum period and delivery are considered critical for maintaining a balance between the production of free oxygen radicals and functional incompetence of the antioxidant system of a foetus and a neonate. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to evaluate the oxidoreductive state of mothers and their newborns immediately after delivery and in the first few days after birth. METHOD: Eighty-five mothers and their healthy, term newborns were included into the prospective study. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in maternal placenta and milk, as well as blood and urine of the neonates on the first and third day after birth, were examined. RESULTS: Elevated levels of TBARS were found in maternal placenta and neonatal blood on the third day after birth, but low concentrations were observed in maternal milk. On the contrary, total antioxidant status (TAS) showed a declining tendency in neonatal blood and an increasing tendency in breast milk. Markers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity were independent of the mode of delivery. CONCLUSIONS: Values of oxidative stress markers in mothers and newborns immediately after birth were elevated and increased further during the first few days of neonatal life. Breast milk was the only nutritional substance with high antioxidant activity. At the same time, TBARS levels in breast milk decreased, which might indicate its protective role in reducing oxidative stress in newborns.

Late preterm infants - impact of perinatal factors on neonatal results. A clinical study.

INTRODUCTION: Infants born between the 34(th) - 36(th) week of pregnancy account for 75% of all preterm infants. Their seemingly slight immaturity is related to serious health problems. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to analyse perinatal factors that influence the occurrence in infants of such problems as respiratory failure, metabolic problems and early onset sepsis (EOS). MATERIALS AND METHOD: The material for the study included all mothers and their late preterm infants: 34+0 - 36+6 born in our hospital (a tertiary referral academic centre) in 2010 and 2011. The course of pregnancy and delivery, the type of delivery, applied preventive measures and treatment, as well as demographic data and the clinical state of infants were all analysed. Data from individual documentation of each mother and infant were collected by 5 designated people and data reliability was independently monitored by a random control of the documentation conducted by the supervising person. RESULTS: A statistically significant relationship between the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome and infant immaturity, bad state after birth and sepsis in infants were confirmed. Sepsis was more common in the case of vaginal delivery, and coexisted with respiratory distress syndrome. The mother's diseases during pregnancy, a perinatal preventive antibiotic therapy, and possible delivery complications did not influence the infection. Perinatal asphyxia in an infant positively correlated with a Caesarean section and respiratory distress syndrome after birth. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to thoroughly establish the type of delivery of a late preterm infant in order to prevent an infection in the newborn child. The improvement of diagnosis of intrauterine hypoxia may reduce the number of Caesarean sections. The decision about late preterm delivery should be based on indices of the mother's state of health. Premature delivery is related to the occurrence of respiratory distress syndrome in a late preterm infant, although the risk is reduced by the application of an antenatal steroid therapy.

Automated versus Manual Oxygen Control with Different Saturation Targets and Modes of Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of automated adjustment of the fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) in maintaining arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) within a higher (91%-95%) and a lower (89%-93%) target range in preterm infants. STUDY DESIGN: Eighty preterm infants (gestational age [median]: 26 weeks, age [median] 18 days) on noninvasive (n = 50) and invasive (n = 30) respiratory support with supplemental oxygen, were first randomized to one of the SpO2 target ranges and then treated with automated FiO2 (A-FiO2) and manual FiO2 (M-FiO2) oxygen control for 24 hours each, in random sequence. RESULTS: The percent time within the target range was higher during A-FiO2 compared with M-FiO2 control. This effect was more pronounced in the lower SpO2 target range (62 ± 17% vs 54 ± 16%, P < .001) than in the higher SpO2 target range (62 ± 17% vs 58 ± 15%, P < .001). The percent time spent below the target or in hypoxemia (SpO2 <80%) was consistently reduced during A-FiO2, independent of the target range. The time spent above the target range or at extreme hyperoxemia (SpO2 >98%) was only reduced during A-FiO2 when targeting the lower SpO2 range (89%-93%). These outcomes did not differ between infants on noninvasive and invasive respiratory support. Manual adjustments were significantly reduced during A-FiO2 control. CONCLUSIONS: A-FiO2 control improved SpO2 targeting across different SpO2 ranges and reduced hypoxemia in preterm infants on noninvasive and invasive respiratory support. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN 56626482.

THE CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING ELECTIVE NONINVASIVE RESPIRATORY SUPPORT AS COMPARED TO IMMEDIATE INTUBATION: A POPULATION STUDY OF VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT NEONATES.

INTRODUCTION: Elective noninvasive respiratory support has become common. However, many neonates fail this procedure and they may require intubation. The aim of this study was to determine the relative outcome of very low birth weight neonates who failed noninvasive respiratory support compared to those that were initially intubated and mechanically ventilated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We accessed the database of every neonate who received respiratory support in 18 hospitals in the central region of Poland and examined the records for a 7-year period. The evaluation encompassed 1667 neonates with very low birth weight who were potential candidates for elective noninvasive respiratory support. Three prospective primary outcome measures were assessed using logistic regression to control for differences in baseline risk. We also examined the length of respiratory support corrected for EGA. RESULTS: After controlling for significant baseline factors, we found that there was no statistically significant difference in mortality, severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) orsevere bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) between infants failing noninvasive respiratory support and those electively intubated. However, their mortality and severe ROP were significantly higher than in those successfully treated with noninvasive respiratory support. Additionally, there was no difference in the length of mechanical ventilation or the length of all respiratory support between those that failed noninvasive support and those that were electively intubated. CONCLUSION: Our study suggests that in those preterm infants who are at a higher risk of failing noninvasive ventilation there is no compelling reason to administer elective intubation and mechanical ventilation immediately after birth. It seems that efforts should rather be made towards the implementation of the optimal non-invasive respiratory support.