Author/Authors :
Zheng, Ge Department of Paediatrics - Ruian People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China , Huang, Xiao-qiu Department of Paediatrics - Ruian People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China , Zhao, Hui-hui Department of Paediatrics - Ruian People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China , Jin, Guo-Xing Department of Paediatrics - Ruian People’s Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China , Wang, Bin Department of Paediatrics - Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
Abstract :
Background. Noninvasive respiratory support is considered the optimal method of providing assistance to preterm babies with
breathing problems, including nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) and humidified high flow nasal cannula
(HHHFNC). The evidence of the efficacy and safety of HHHFNC used as the primary respiratory support for respiratory distress
syndrome (RDS) is insufficient in low- and middle-income countries. Objective. To investigate the effect of heated humidified high
flow nasal cannula on neonatal respiratory distress syndrome compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure. Methods.
An observational cross-sectional study was performed at a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit in suburban Wenzhou, China, in
the period between January 2014 and December 2015. Results. A total of 128 infants were enrolled in the study: 65 in the HHHFNC
group and 63 in the NCPAP group. The respiratory support with HHHFNC was similar to that with NCPAP with regard to the
primary outcome. There is no significant difference between two groups in secondary outcomes. Comparing with NCPAP group,
the incidence of nasal damage was lower in HHHFNC group. Conclusions. HHHFNC is an effective and well-tolerated strategy as
the primary treatment of mild to moderate RDS in preterm infants older than 28 weeks of GA.
Keywords :
Nasal Cannula , Neonatal Respiratory Distress , Syndrome , China