Surfactant therapy via thin catheter in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome

Non-invasive high-frequency ventilation in newborn infants with respiratory distress

BACKGROUND

Respiratory distress occurs in up to 7% of newborns, with respiratory support (RS) provided invasively via an endotracheal (ET) tube or non-invasively via a nasal interface. Invasive ventilation increases the risk of lung injury and chronic lung disease (CLD). Using non-invasive strategies, with or without minimally invasive surfactant, may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation and the risk of lung damage in newborn infants with respiratory distress.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of nasal high-frequency ventilation (nHFV) compared to invasive ventilation via an ET tube or other non-invasive ventilation methods on morbidity and mortality in preterm and term infants with or at risk of respiratory distress.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL and three trial registries in April 2023.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster- or quasi-RCTs of nHFV in newborn infants with respiratory distress compared to invasive or non-invasive ventilation.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently selected the trials for inclusion, extracted data, assessed the risk of bias, and undertook GRADE assessment.

MAIN RESULTS

We identified 33 studies, mostly in low- to middle-income settings, that investigated this therapy in 5068 preterm and 46 term infants. nHFV compared to invasive respiratory therapy for initial RS We are very uncertain whether nHFV reduces mortality before hospital discharge (RR 0.67, 95% CI 0.20 to 2.18; 1 study, 80 infants) or the incidence of CLD (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.09 to 1.59; 2 studies, 180 infants), both very low-certainty. ET intubation, death or CLD, severe intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH) and neurodevelopmental disability (ND) were not reported. nHFV vs nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) used for initial RS We are very uncertain whether nHFV reduces mortality before hospital discharge (RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.41 to 2.41; 4 studies, 531 infants; very low-certainty). nHFV may reduce ET intubation (RR 0.52, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.82; 5 studies, 571 infants), but there may be little or no difference in CLD (RR 1.35, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.27; 4 studies, 481 infants); death or CLD (RR 2.50, 95% CI 0.52 to 12.01; 1 study, 68 participants); or severe IVH (RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.36 to 3.78; 4 studies, 531 infants), all low-certainty evidence. ND was not reported. nHFV vs nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (nIPPV) used for initial RS nHFV may result in little to no difference in mortality before hospital discharge (RR 1.86, 95% CI 0.90 to 3.83; 2 studies, 84 infants; low-certainty). nHFV may have little or no effect in reducing ET intubation (RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.76 to 2.34; 5 studies, 228 infants; low-certainty). There may be a reduction in CLD (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.42 to 0.95; 5 studies, 307 infants; low-certainty). A single study (36 infants) reported no events for severe IVH. Death or CLD and ND were not reported. nHFV vs high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) used for initial RS We are very uncertain whether nHFV reduces ET intubation (RR 2.94, 95% CI 0.65 to 13.27; 1 study, 37 infants) or reduces CLD (RR 1.18, 95% CI 0.46 to 2.98; 1 study, 37 participants), both very low-certainty. There were no mortality events before hospital discharge or severe IVH. Other deaths, CLD and ND, were not reported. nHFV vs nCPAP used for RS following planned extubation nHFV probably results in little or no difference in mortality before hospital discharge (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.52 to 1.64; 6 studies, 1472 infants; moderate-certainty). nHFV may result in a reduction in ET reintubation (RR 0.42, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.51; 11 studies, 1897 infants) and CLD (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.67 to 0.91; 10 studies, 1829 infants), both low-certainty. nHFV probably has little or no effect on death or CLD (RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.06; 2 studies, 966 infants) and severe IVH (RR 0.80, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.13; 3 studies, 1117 infants), both moderate-certainty. We are very uncertain whether nHFV reduces ND (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.37 to 2.29; 1 study, 74 infants; very low-certainty). nHFV versus nIPPV used for RS following planned extubation nHFV may have little or no effect on mortality before hospital discharge (RR 1.83, 95% CI 0.70 to 4.79; 2 studies, 984 infants; low-certainty). There is probably a reduction in ET reintubation (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.54 to 0.89; 6 studies, 1364 infants), but little or no effect on CLD (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.04; 4 studies, 1236 infants); death or CLD (RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.08; 3 studies, 1070 infants); or severe IVH (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.55 to 1.10; 4 studies, 1162 infants), all moderate-certainty. One study reported there might be no difference in ND (RR 0.88, 95% CI 0.35 to 2.16; 1 study, 72 infants; low-certainty). nHFV versus nIPPV following initial non-invasive RS failure nHFV may have little or no effect on mortality before hospital discharge (RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.10 to 21.33); or ET intubation (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.51 to 2.98); or CLD (RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.47); or severe IVH (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.02 to 10.87); 1 study, 39 participants, all low- or very low-certainty. Other deaths or CLD and ND were not reported.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

For initial RS, we are very uncertain if using nHFV compared to invasive respiratory therapy affects clinical outcomes. However, nHFV may reduce intubation when compared to nCPAP. For planned extubation, nHFV may reduce the risk of reintubation compared to nCPAP and nIPPV. nHFV may reduce the risk of CLD when compared to nCPAP. Following initial non-invasive respiratory support failure, nHFV when compared to nIPPV may result in little to no difference in intubation. Large trials, particularly in high-income settings, are needed to determine the role of nHFV in initial RS and following the failure of other non-invasive respiratory support. Also, the optimal settings of nHVF require further investigation.

LISA Eligibility and LISA Success in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Single-Center Experience

INTRODUCTION

Less invasive surfactant application (LISA) is associated with improved short-term outcomes in preterm infants. Data on LISA eligibility and success for infants <28 weeks of gestation are lacking.

METHODS

Preterm infants <28 weeks of gestation who were born and actively treated in our tertiary care center in 2018 were included in the retrospective study. We assessed baseline characteristics, delivery room (DR) management, LISA success and complications, and short-term outcome.

RESULTS

In total, 57 infants received LISA in the DR. LISA eligibility was 73% at 22 weeks, 88% at 23 weeks, and >90% at gestational ages >24 weeks. LISA was successful in 63% of infants. LISA failure was associated with increased risk for high-grade IVH (OR 17.88), death (OR 10.94), and a reduced chance for survival without complications (OR 8.75).

CONCLUSION

Our report justifies LISA as a mode for surfactant application in preterm infants. It contributes to the call for studies to define risk factors for LISA failure.

Less invasive surfactant administration methods: Who, what and how

Surfactant administration via an endotracheal tube (ETT) has been the standard of care for infants with respiratory distress syndrome for decades. As non-invasive ventilation has become commonplace in the NICU, methods for administering surfactant without use of an ETT have been developed. These methods include thin catheter techniques (LISA, MIST), aerosolization/ nebulization, and surfactant administration through laryngeal (LMA) or supraglottic airways (SALSA). This review will describe these methods and discuss considerations and implementation into clinical practice.

Less Invasive Surfactant Administration Compared to Intubation, Surfactant, Rapid Extubation Method in Preterm Neonates: An Umbrella Review

INTRODUCTION

In spontaneously breathing neonates, surfactant can be administered via thin catheter while enabling the own breathing (less invasive surfactant administration [LISA]). Alternatively, the neonate is intubated for surfactant delivery (intubation, surfactant, rapid extubation [INSURE]). Thus, the aim was to provide an overview of the efficacy of the LISA compared to INSURE.

METHODS

We performed an umbrella review of previous meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials. We searched PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science in July 2023. Two authors screened the search results, and systematic reviews with meta-analyses that focused on LISA versus INSURE were included. One author extracted, and another author validated the extracted data. AMSTAR-2 and ROBIS evaluations were performed by two authors independently.

RESULTS

A total of 9 systematic reviews with meta-analyses were included. The quality according to AMSTAR-2 was high in one, moderate in one, low in three, and critically low in four. According to ROBIS, the risk of bias was low in three and high in six of the reviews. LISA was more effective than INSURE in preventing mechanical ventilation (8/8 reviews), death or BPD (4/4 reviews), death (3/9 reviews), and BPD (3/9 reviews).

CONCLUSIONS

All the included systematic reviews and meta-analyses reported LISA to be more effective than INSURE in terms of need for mechanical ventilation and death or BPD. However, the quality of the published systematic reviews has been mostly deficient. Future systematic reviews should focus on reporting quality.

Characterizing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) Belly Syndrome in preterm infants in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

OBJECTIVE

Reproducibly define CPAP Belly Syndrome (CBS) in preterm infants and describe associated demographics, mechanical factors, and outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case-control study was conducted in infants <32 weeks gestation in the Stanford Children's NICU from January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2021. CBS was radiographically defined by a pediatric radiologist. Data analysis included descriptive statistics and comparator tests.

RESULTS

Analysis included 41 infants with CBS and 69 infants without. CBS was associated with younger gestational age (median 27.7 vs 30 weeks, p < 0.001) and lower birthweight (median 1.00 vs 1.31 kg, p < 0.001). Infants with CBS were more likely to receive bilevel respiratory support and higher positive end expiratory pressure. Infants with CBS took longer to advance enteral feeds (median 10 vs 7 days, p = 0.003) and were exposed to more abdominal radiographs.

CONCLUSIONS

Future CBS therapies should target small infants, prevent air entry from above, and aim to reduce time to full enteral feeds and radiographic exposure.

Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm kinetics after minimally invasive surfactant administration

PURPOSE

Concerns remain on different alveolar deposition of surfactant between LISA and INSURE methods. Ultrasound evaluation of diaphragm kinetics may provide clinical evidence on this issue, as indirect representation of the respiratory system compliance.

METHODS

This was a prospective-observational pilot study. The inclusion criterion was CPAP-supported infants ≤ 32 weeks with RDS receiving surfactant via minimally invasive technique. 52 patients randomized for surfactant administration via LISA or INSURE methods were enrolled. Right diaphragm (RD) global mean peak velocity (MPV) by Pulsed-Wave Tissue Doppler Imaging (PTDI) was recorded before and two hours after surfactant administration with simultaneous measurements of oxygen saturation (SpO2)/fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) (SF ratio). Mechanical ventilation ≤ 72 h from birth represented treatment failure.

RESULTS

LISA infants had significantly higher gestational age (p = 0.029) and birth weight (p = 0.030) with lower CRIB-II scores (p = 0.030) than INSURE infants. LISA infants showed higher median MPV at baseline RD-PTDI US assessment (p = 0.024), but post-surfactant median MPV and other the investigated variables were similar at the adjusted analysis for gestational age and sedation. 8/52 (15%) infants who failed treatment had a significantly lower SF ratio (p = 0.002) and higher median MPV at RD-PTDI US (p = 0.004) after surfactant administration, despite the higher CPAP support level before (p = 0.007) and after (p = 0.001) surfactant administration. A full course of antenatal steroids was protective against mechanical ventilation (p = 0.038).

CONCLUSIONS

Different minimally invasive surfactant administration techniques do not appear to influence diaphragm kinetics evaluated by RD-PTDI US.

A Less Invasive Technique for Surfactant Administration in a Full-Term Newborn With Moderate Meconium Aspiration Syndrome

Meconium aspiration syndrome (MAS) presents significant challenges in neonatal care, particularly in the context of respiratory distress. This report explores the efficacy of administering surfactant through a less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) technique in a full-term neonate with MAS. Our case highlights the potential of this method in reducing the need for mechanical ventilation, drawing parallels with its established benefits in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome. The successful application of LISA in this case suggests a promising avenue for managing MAS in full-term neonates, warranting further investigation.

Peri-extubation settings in preterm neonates: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review: 1) peri-extubation settings; and 2) association between peri-extubation settings and outcomes in preterm neonates.

STUDY DESIGN

In this systematic review, studies were eligible if they reported patient-data on peri-extubation settings (objective 1) and/or evaluated peri-extubation levels in relation to clinical outcomes (objective 2). Data were meta-analyzed when appropriate using random-effects model.

RESULTS

Of 9681 titles, 376 full-texts were reviewed and 101 included. The pooled means of peri-extubation settings were summarized. For objective 2, three experimental studies were identified comparing post-extubation CPAP levels. Meta-analyses revealed lower odds for treatment failure [pooled OR 0.46 (95% CI 0.27-0.76); 3 studies, 255 participants] but not for re-intubation [pooled OR 0.66 (0.22-1.97); 3 studies, 255 participants] with higher vs. lower CPAP.

CONCLUSIONS

Summary of peri-extubation settings may guide clinicians in their own practices. Higher CPAP levels may reduce extubation failure, but more data on peri-extubation settings that optimize outcomes are needed.

Factors that determine first intubation attempt success in high-risk neonates

BACKGROUND

Approximately 50% of all neonatal endotracheal intubation attempts are unsuccessful and associated with airway injury and cardiorespiratory instability. The aim of this study was to describe intubation practice at a high-risk Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and identify factors associated with successful intubation at the first attempt.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of all infants requiring intubation within the Royal Children's Hospital NICU over three years. Data was collected from the National Emergency Airway Registry for Neonates (NEAR4NEOS). Outcomes were number of attempts, level of operator training, equipment used, difficult airway grade, and clinical factors. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine factors independently associated with first attempt success.

RESULTS

Three hundred and sixty intubation courses, with 538 attempts, were identified. Two hundred and twenty-five (62.5%) were successful on first attempt, with similar rates at subsequent attempts. On multivariate analysis, increasing operator seniority increased the chance of first attempt success. Higher glottic airway grades were associated with lower chance of first attempt success, but neither a known difficult airway nor use of a stylet were associated with first attempt success.

CONCLUSION

In a NICU with a high rate of difficult airways, operator experience rather than equipment was the greatest determinant of intubation success.

IMPACT

Neonatal intubation is a high-risk lifesaving procedure, and this is the first report of intubation practices at a quaternary surgical NICU that provides regional referral services for complex medical and surgical admissions. Our results showed that increasing operator seniority and lower glottic airway grades were associated with increased first attempt intubation success rates, while factors such as gestational age, weight, stylet use, and known history of difficult airway were not. Operator factors rather than equipment factors were the greatest determinants of first attempt success, highlighting the importance of team selection for neonatal intubations in a high-risk cohort of infants.

Laryngeal mask airway surfactant administration for prevention of morbidity and mortality in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

Laryngeal mask airway surfactant administration (S-LMA) has the potential benefit of surfactant administration whilst avoiding endotracheal intubation and ventilation, ventilator-induced lung injury and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of S-LMA either as prophylaxis or treatment (rescue) compared to placebo, no treatment, or intratracheal surfactant administration via an endotracheal tube (ETT) with the intent to rapidly extubate (InSurE) or extubate at standard criteria (S-ETT) or via other less-invasive surfactant administration (LISA) methods on morbidity and mortality in preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

SEARCH METHODS

We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and three trial registries in December 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster- or quasi-RCTs of S-LMA compared to placebo, no treatment, or other routes of administration (nebulised, pharyngeal instillation of surfactant before the first breath, thin endotracheal catheter surfactant administration or intratracheal surfactant instillation) on morbidity and mortality in preterm infants at risk of RDS. We considered published, unpublished and ongoing trials.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion and extracted data. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included eight trials (seven new to this update) recruiting 510 newborns. Five trials (333 infants) compared S-LMA with surfactant administration via ETT with InSurE. One trial (48 infants) compared S-LMA with surfactant administration via ETT with S-ETT, and two trials (129 infants) compared S-LMA with no surfactant administration. We found no studies comparing S-LMA with LISA techniques or prophylactic or early S-LMA. S-LMA versus surfactant administration via InSurE S-LMA may have little or no effect on the composite outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks' postmenstrual age (risk ratio (RR) 1.50, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.27 to 8.34, I 2 = not applicable (NA) as 1 study had 0 events; risk difference (RD) 0.02, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.10; I 2 = 0%; 2 studies, 110 infants; low-certainty evidence). There may be a reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation at any time (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.78; I 2 = 27%; RD -0.14, 95% CI -0.22 to -0.06, I 2 = 89%; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome (NNTB) 7, 95% CI 5 to 17; 5 studies, 333 infants; low-certainty evidence). However, this was limited to four studies (236 infants) using analgesia or sedation for the InSurE group. There was little or no difference for air leak during first hospitalisation (RR 1.39, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.98; I 2 = 0%; 5 studies, 333 infants (based on 3 studies as 2 studies had 0 events); low-certainty evidence); BPD among survivors to 36 weeks' PMA (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.47 to 3.52; I 2 = 0%; 4 studies, 264 infants (based on 3 studies as 1 study had 0 events); low-certainty evidence); or death (all causes) during the first hospitalisation (RR 0.28, 95% CI 0.01 to 6.60; I 2 = NA as 2 studies had 0 events; 3 studies, 203 infants; low-certainty evidence). Neurosensory disability was not reported. Intraventricular haemorrhage ( IVH) grades III and IV were reported among the study groups (1 study, 50 infants). S-LMA versus surfactant administration via S-ETT No study reported death or BPD at 36 weeks' PMA. S-LMA may reduce the use of mechanical ventilation at any time compared with S-ETT (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.71; RD -0.54, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.34; NNTB 2, 95% CI 2 to 3; 1 study, 48 infants; low-certainty evidence). We are very uncertain whether S-LMA compared with S-ETT reduces air leak during first hospitalisation (RR 2.56, 95% CI 0.11 to 59.75), IVH grade III or IV (RR 2.56, 95% CI 0.11 to 59.75) and death (all causes) during the first hospitalisation (RR 0.17, 95% CI 0.01 to 3.37) (1 study, 48 infants; very low-certainty evidence). No study reported BPD to 36 weeks' PMA or neurosensory disability. S-LMA versus no surfactant administration Rescue surfactant could be used in both groups. There may be little or no difference in death or BPD at 36 weeks (RR 1.65, 95% CI 0.85 to 3.22; I 2 = 58%; RD 0.08, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.19; I 2 = 0%; 2 studies, 129 infants; low-certainty evidence). There was probably a reduction in the need for mechanical ventilation at any time with S-LMA compared with nasal continuous positive airway pressure without surfactant (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.85; I 2 = 0%; RD -0.24, 95% CI -0.40 to -0.08; I 2 = 0%; NNTB 4, 95% CI 3 to 13; 2 studies, 129 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). There was little or no difference in air leak during first hospitalisation (RR 0.65, 95% CI 0.23 to 1.88; I 2 = 0%; 2 studies, 129 infants; low-certainty evidence) or BPD to 36 weeks' PMA (RR 1.65, 95% CI 0.85 to 3.22; I 2 = 58%; 2 studies, 129 infants; low-certainty evidence). There were no events in either group for death during the first hospitalisation (1 study, 103 infants) or IVH grade III and IV (1 study, 103 infants). No study reported neurosensory disability.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

In preterm infants less than 36 weeks' PMA, rescue S-LMA may have little or no effect on the composite outcome of death or BPD at 36 weeks' PMA. However, it may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation at any time. This benefit is limited to trials reporting the use of analgesia or sedation in the InSurE and S-ETT groups. There is low- to very-low certainty evidence for no or little difference in neonatal morbidities and mortality. Long-term outcomes are largely unreported. In preterm infants less than 32 weeks' PMA or less than 1500 g, there are insufficient data to support or refute the use of S-LMA in clinical practice. Adequately powered trials are required to determine the effect of S-LMA for prevention or early treatment of RDS in extremely preterm infants. S-LMA use should be limited to clinical trials in this group of infants.

Coffee to Make LISA-a-go

In August of 1963, Patrick Bouvier Kennedy, the fourth child of Jackie Onassis Kennedy and John F. Kennedy, died less than 48 hours after his birth from respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) of the newborn. His tragic death inspired research into the physiology of RDS, one product of which was the development of surfactant replacement therapies which have saved millions of neonates from a similar fate. Shortly after the demonstration of its efficacy in 1980, exogenous surfactant replacement therapy became the mainstay intervention for RDS.1 Exogenous surfactant was originally administered via an endotracheal tube in mechanically ventilated neonates, a practice which may lead to ventilator-induced injury to the immature lung.

Early factors associated with continuous positive airway pressure failure in moderate and late preterm infants

To determine the early factors associated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure in moderate-to-late preterm infants (32 + 0/7 to 36 + 6/7 weeks' gestation) from the NEOBS cohort study. The NEOBS study was a multi-center, prospective, observational study in 46 neonatal intensive care units in France, which included preterm and late preterm infants with early neonatal respiratory distress. This analysis included a subset of the NEOBS population who had respiratory distress and required ventilatory support with CPAP within the first 24 h of life. CPAP failure was defined as the need for tracheal intubation within 72 h of CPAP initiation. Maternal and neonatal clinical parameters in the delivery room and clinical data at 3 h of life were analyzed. CPAP failure occurred in 45/375 infants (12%), and compared with infants with CPAP success, they were mostly singletons (82.2% vs. 62.1%; p < 0.01), had a lower Apgar score at 10 min of life (9.1 ± 1.3 vs. 9.6 ± 0.8; p = 0.02), and required a higher fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2; 34.4 ± 15.9% vs. 22.8 ± 4.1%; p < 0.0001) and a higher FiO2*positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) (1.8 ± 0.9 vs. 1.1 ± 0.3; p < 0.0001) at 3 h. FiO2 value of 0.23 (R2 = 0.73) and FiO2*PEEP of 1.50 (R2 = 0.75) best predicted CPAP failure. The risk of respiratory distress and early CPAP failure decreased 0.7 times per 1-week increase in gestational age and increased 1.7 times with every one-point decrease in Apgar score at 10 min and 19 times with FiO2*PEEP > 1.50 (vs. ≤ 1.50) at 3 h (R2 of the overall model = 0.83).  Conclusion: In moderate-to-late preterm infants, the combination of singleton pregnancy, lower Apgar score at 10 min, and FiO2*PEEP > 1.50 at 3 h can predict early CPAP failure with increased accuracy. What is Known: •Respiratory distress syndrome (RSD) represents an unmet medical need in moderate-to-late preterm births and is commonly treated with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to reduce mortality and the need for additional ventilatory support. • Optimal management of RSD is yet to be established, with several studies suggesting that identification of predictive factors for CPAP failure can aid in the prompt treatment of infants likely to experience this failure. What is New: •Secondary analysis of the observational NEOBS study indicated that oxygen requirements during CPAP therapy, especially the product of fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO2) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), are important factors associated with early CPAP failure in moderate-to-late term preterm infants. •The combination of a singleton pregnancy, low Apgar score at 10 minutes, and high FiO2*PEEP at 3 hours can predict early CPAP failure with increased accuracy, highlighting important areas for future research into the prevention of CPAP failure.

Caffeine and Less Invasive Surfactant Administration for Respiratory Distress Syndrome of the Newborn

Caffeine and Less Invasive Surfactant Administration for RDSPreterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome may benefit from the use of less invasive surfactant administration or continuous positive airway pressure to avoid intubation. The authors compare the two methods, with the additional use of caffeine in both groups.

Video laryngoscopy-assisted less-invasive surfactant administration quality improvement initiative

OBJECTIVE

To describe the use of quality improvement methodology in transitioning from delivery of surfactant by INSURE (INtubation-SURfactant administration-Extubation) to video laryngoscope-assisted LISA (less-invasive surfactant administration) for infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) receiving non-invasive ventilatory support.

SETTING

Two large neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) at Northwell Health (New Hyde Park, New York, USA).

STUDY POPULATION

Infants with RDS receiving continuous positive airway pressure in the NICU and eligible for surfactant administration.

RESULTS

LISA was initiated in our NICUs in January 2021, after extensive guideline development, education programmes, hands-on training and provider credentialing. Our Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Timely aim was to deliver surfactant by LISA for 65% of total doses by 31 December 2021. This goal was achieved within 1 month of go-live. In total, 115 infants received at least one dose of surfactant during the year. Of those, 79 (69%) received it via LISA and 36 (31%) via INSURE. Two Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles contributed to improved adherence to guidelines on timely surfactant administration and both written and video documentation.

CONCLUSIONS

Safe and effective introduction of LISA with the use of video laryngoscopy is achievable with careful planning, clear clinical guidelines, adequate hands-on training and comprehensive safety and quality control.

Surfactant therapy guided by tests for lung maturity in preterm infants at risk of respiratory distress syndrome

BACKGROUND

Administration of various exogenous surfactant preparations has been shown to decrease lung injury and pneumothorax and improve survival in very preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). There is no consensus on the threshold for surfactant administration, to allow timely intervention and avoid over-treatment, also considering the invasiveness of the procedure and its cost. Rapid tests for lung maturity, which include the click test, lamellar body counts and stable microbubble test, might guide the identification of those infants needing surfactant administration.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency in preterm infants at risk for or having RDS. Comparison 1: In preterm infants at risk for RDS, does surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency compared to prophylactic surfactant administration to all high-risk infants minimize the need for surfactant treatment and prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality? Comparison 2: In preterm infants who require early respiratory support, does surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency compared to surfactant therapy provided to infants with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria minimize the need for surfactant treatment and prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia and mortality?

SEARCH METHODS

We searched in October 2022 CENTRAL, PubMed, Embase and three additional trial registries. We also screened the reference lists of included studies and related systematic reviews for studies not identified by the database searches.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs evaluating rapid tests after birth for surfactant deficiency in infants at high risk of RDS or requiring respiratory support. We specified two comparisons: 1)surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency versus prophylactic surfactant administration to all high-risk infants in extremely preterm (less than 28 weeks' gestation) and very preterm (28 to 32 weeks' gestation); 2)surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency versus surfactant therapy provided to preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestation) with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. We used the fixed-effect model with risk ratio (RR) and risk difference (RD), with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for dichotomous data. Our primary outcomes were: neonatal mortality, mortality prior to hospital discharge, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and the composite outcome bronchopulmonary dysplasia or mortality. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included three RCTs enrolling 562 newborn infants in this review. No studies compared surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency versus prophylactic surfactant administration to all high-risk infants. Comparing surfactant therapy guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency versus surfactant therapy provided to infants with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria. No studies reported neonatal mortality. Compared with surfactant therapy provided to infants with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency on mortality prior to hospital discharge: RR 1.25, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.41, RD 0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.05, 562 participants, 3 studies; I² for RR and RD = 75% and 43%, respectively; very low-certainty evidence. Surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency may result in little to no difference in bronchopulmonary dysplasia: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.61 to 1.32, RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.08 to 0.04, 562 participants, 3 studies; I² for RR and RD = 0%; low-certainty evidence. No studies reported the composite outcome bronchopulmonary dysplasia or mortality. Surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency may result in little to no difference in surfactant utilization (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85 to 1.11, RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.06, 562 participants, 3 studies, I² for RR and RD = 63% and 65%, respectively, low-certainty evidence), and any pneumothorax (RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.15 to 1.92, RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.01, 506 participants, 2 studies, I² for RR and RD = 0%, low-certainty evidence) compared with surfactant therapy provided to infants with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria. No studies reported moderate to severe neurodevelopmental impairment. We identified two large ongoing RCTs.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

No studies compared surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency to prophylactic surfactant administration to all high-risk infants. Low to very low-certainty evidence from three studies is available on surfactant therapy guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency versus surfactant therapy provided to infants with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria. No studies reported neonatal mortality, the composite outcome 'bronchopulmonary dysplasia or mortality', or neurodevelopmental outcomes. Compared with surfactant therapy provided to infants with RDS diagnosed on clinical and radiologic criteria, the evidence is very uncertain about the effect of surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency on mortality prior to hospital discharge. Surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency may result in little to no difference in bronchopulmonary dysplasia, surfactant utilization and any pneumothorax. The findings of the two large ongoing trials identified in this review are likely to have an important impact on establishing the effects of surfactant treatment guided by rapid tests for surfactant deficiency in preterm infants.

Preterm lung and brain responses to mechanical ventilation and corticosteroids

Mechanical ventilation is necessary to maintain oxygenation and ventilation in many preterm infants. Unfortunately, even short periods of mechanical ventilation can cause lung and airway injury, and initiate the lung inflammation that contributes to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). The mechanical stretch leads to airway cell differentiation and simplification of the alveoli, and releases cytokines that cause systemic response in other organs. Mechanical ventilation also leads to brain injury (IVH, white and gray matter) and neuronal inflammation that can affect the neurodevelopment of preterm infants. In efforts to decrease BPD, corticosteroids have been used for both prevention and treatment of lung inflammation. Corticosteroids have also been demonstrated to cause neuronal injury, so the clinician must balance the negative effects of both mechanical ventilation and steroids on the brain and lungs. Predictive models for BPD can help assess the infants who will benefit most from corticosteroid exposure. This review describes the lung and brain injury from mechanical ventilation in the delivery room and chronic mechanical ventilation in animal models. It provides updates on the current guidelines for use of postnatal corticosteroids (dexamethasone, hydrocortisone, budesonide, budesonide with surfactant) for the prevention and treatment of BPD, and the effects the timing of each steroid regimen has on neurodevelopment.

A randomised controlled trial in preterm infants comparing prophylactic with selective "less invasive surfactant administration" (pro.LISA)

BACKGROUND

Respiratory distress syndrome is the main cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. "Less invasive surfactant administration" (LISA), which describes intratracheal surfactant administration to spontaneously breathing infants via a small diameter tube, is recommended as the first-line treatment in preterm infants with more than 30% supplemental oxygen. Prophylactic use of LISA in preterm infants with less than 30% supplemental oxygen was not tested in randomised controlled trials yet, and long-term outcome data of the procedure are scarce.

METHODS

Preterm infants with a gestational age between 25 weeks + 0 days and 28 weeks + 6 days who are breathing spontaneously on continuous positive airway pressure with supplemental oxygen at or below 30% in the first hour of life will be randomised to a prophylactic LISA treatment with 100-200 mg surfactant intratracheally per kilogramme bodyweight (intervention group) or will continue the continuous positive airway pressure treatment (control group). Participants will have follow-up until age 5 years. At that time, the children will be tested by spirometry, and forced expiratory volume within 1-s z-scores will be compared between the intervention and control groups as the primary outcome parameter of the trial. Secondary endpoints include additional lung function parameters, endurance, motor development, intelligence, and sensitivity for infectious lung diseases. Short-term safety assessment will be done after completed enrolment (n = 698) and discharge of all infants. This safety assessment will include in-hospital mortality and short-term complications.

DISCUSSION

Robust data concerning the possible long-term benefits of prophylactic LISA treatment are lacking. The current observational data from the German Neonatal Network indicate that approximately 50% of preterm infants with supplemental oxygen at or below 30% within the first hour of life are treated with LISA. The pro.LISA trial will provide short- and long-term outcomes of preterm infants receiving prophylactic treatment and will clarify if prophylactic treatment should be given to all preterm infants or if the current practice of selective treatment if supplemental oxygen exceeds 30% is more appropriate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS00028086. Prospectively registered on 8 February 2022.

Surfactant replacement therapy as promising treatment for COVID-19: an updated narrative review

Patients with COVID-19 exhibit similar symptoms to neonatal respiratory distress syndrome. SARS-CoV-2 spike protein has been shown to target alveolar type 2 lung cells which synthesize and secrete endogenous surfactants leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome in some patients. This was proven by post-mortem histopathological findings revealing desquamated alveolar type 2 cells. Surfactant use in patients with COVID-19 respiratory distress syndrome results in marked improvement in respiratory parameters but not mortality which needs further clinical trials comparing surfactant formulas and modes of administration to decrease the mortality. In addition, surfactants could be a promising vehicle for specific drug delivery as a liposomal carrier, which requires more and more challenging efforts. In this review, we highlight the current reviews and two clinical trials on exogenous surfactant therapy in COVID-19-associated respiratory distress in adults, and how surfactant could be a promising drug to help fight the COVID-19 infection.

[Interpretation of the key updates in the 2022 European guideline on the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome]

With the deepening of clinical research, the management of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) needs to be optimized and improved. This article aims to introduce the 2022 European guideline on the management of neonatal RDS, focusing on its key updates. The guide has optimized the management of risk prediction for preterm birth, maternal referral, application of prenatal corticosteroids, application of lung protective ventilation strategies, and general care for infants with RDS. The guideline is mainly applicable to the management of RDS in neonates with gestational age greater than 24 weeks.

RDS-NExT workshop: consensus statements for the use of surfactant in preterm neonates with RDS

OBJECTIVE

To provide the best clinical practice guidance for surfactant use in preterm neonates with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). The RDS-Neonatal Expert Taskforce (RDS-NExT) initiative was intended to add to existing evidence and clinical guidelines, where evidence is lacking, with input from an expert panel.

STUDY DESIGN

An expert panel of healthcare providers specializing in neonatal intensive care was convened and administered a survey questionnaire, followed by 3 virtual workshops. A modified Delphi method was used to obtain consensus around topics in surfactant use in neonatal RDS.

RESULT

Statements focused on establishing RDS diagnosis and indicators for surfactant administration, surfactant administration methods and techniques, and other considerations. After discussion and voting, consensus was achieved on 20 statements.

CONCLUSION

These consensus statements provide practical guidance for surfactant administration in preterm neonates with RDS, with a goal to contribute to improving the care of neonates and providing a stimulus for further investigation to bridge existing knowledge gaps.

Neonatal respiratory support strategies-short and long-term respiratory outcomes

Mechanical ventilation (MV), although life-saving, is associated with chronic respiratory morbidity in both preterm and term born infants. New ventilation modes have been developed with the aim of minimising lung injury. These include invasive and non-invasive respiratory support strategies, techniques for less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) and closed-loop automated oxygen control (CLAC) systems. Increasingly, newborn infants with signs of respiratory distress are stabilised on continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and receive LISA. Early CPAP when compared to mechanical ventilation reduced the incidence of BPD and respiratory morbidity at 18 to 22 months corrected age. Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation reduced treatment failure rates compared to CPAP, but not bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). LISA compared with intubation and surfactant delivery reduced BPD, but there is no evidence from randomised trials regarding long-term respiratory and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Synchronisation of positive pressure inflations with the infant's respiratory efforts used with volume targeting should be applied for infants requiring intubation as this strategy reduces BPD. A large RCT with long term follow up data demonstrated that prophylactic high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV) improved respiratory and functional outcomes at school age, but those effects were not maintained after puberty. CLAC systems appear promising, but their effect on long term clinical outcomes has not yet been explored in randomised trials. Further studies are required to determine the role of newer ventilation modes such as neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NAVA). All such respiratory support strategies should be tested in randomised controlled trials powered to assess long-term outcomes.

Assessment of Comfort during Less Invasive Surfactant Administration in Very Preterm Infants: A Multicenter Study

INTRODUCTION

This study was set up to investigate if and to what extent non-pharmacological analgesia is able to provide comfort to very preterm infants (VPI) during less invasive surfactant administration (LISA).

METHODS

This was a prospective non-randomized multicenter observational study performed in level IV NICUs. Inborn VPI with a gestational age between 220/7 and 316/7 weeks, signs of respiratory distress syndrome, and the need for surfactant replacement were included. Non-pharmacological analgesia was performed in all infants during LISA. In case of failure of the first LISA attempt, additional analgosedation could be administered. COMFORTneo scores during LISA were assessed.

RESULTS

113 VPI with a mean gestational age of 27 weeks (+/- 2.3 weeks) and mean birth weight of 946 g (+/- 33 g) were included. LISA was successful at the first laryngoscopy attempt in 81%. COMFORTneo scores were highest during laryngoscopy. At this time point, non-pharmacological analgesia provided adequate comfort in 61% of the infants. 74.4% of lower gestational aged infants (i.e., 220-266 weeks) were within the comfort zone during laryngoscopy compared to 51.6% of higher gestational aged infants (i.e., 270-320 weeks) (p = 0.016). The time point of surfactant administration did not influence the COMFORTneo scores during the LISA procedure.

CONCLUSION

Non-pharmacological analgesia provided comfort in as much as 61% of the included VPI during LISA. Further research is needed to both develop strategies to identify infants who, despite receiving non-pharmacological analgesia, are at high risk for experiencing discomfort during LISA and define patient-tailored dosage and choice of analgosedative drugs.

Nasal high flow therapy for primary respiratory support in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Nasal high flow (nHF) therapy provides heated, humidified air and oxygen via two small nasal prongs, at gas flows of more than 1 litre/minute (L/min), typically 2 L/min to 8 L/min. nHF is commonly used for non-invasive respiratory support in preterm neonates. It may be used in this population for primary respiratory support (avoiding, or prior to the use of mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube) for prophylaxis or treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). This is an update of a review first published in 2011 and updated in 2016.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of nHF for primary respiratory support in preterm infants compared to other forms of non-invasive respiratory support.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date March 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised or quasi-randomised trials comparing nHF with other forms of non-invasive respiratory support for preterm infants born less than 37 weeks' gestation with respiratory distress soon after birth.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane Neonatal methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. death (before hospital discharge) or bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), 2. death (before hospital discharge), 3. BPD, 4. treatment failure within 72 hours of trial entry and 5. mechanical ventilation via an endotracheal tube within 72 hours of trial entry. Our secondary outcomes were 6. respiratory support, 7. complications and 8. neurosensory outcomes. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 13 studies (2540 infants) in this updated review. There are nine studies awaiting classification and 13 ongoing studies. The included studies differed in the comparator treatment (continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV)), the devices for delivering nHF and the gas flows used. Some studies allowed the use of 'rescue' CPAP in the event of nHF treatment failure, prior to any mechanical ventilation, and some allowed surfactant administration via the INSURE (INtubation, SURfactant, Extubation) technique without this being deemed treatment failure. The studies included very few extremely preterm infants less than 28 weeks' gestation. Several studies had unclear or high risk of bias in one or more domains. Nasal high flow compared with continuous positive airway pressure for primary respiratory support in preterm infants Eleven studies compared nHF with CPAP for primary respiratory support in preterm infants. When compared with CPAP, nHF may result in little to no difference in the combined outcome of death or BPD (risk ratio (RR) 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.74 to 1.60; risk difference (RD) 0, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.02; 7 studies, 1830 infants; low-certainty evidence). Compared with CPAP, nHF may result in little to no difference in the risk of death (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.44 to 1.39; 9 studies, 2009 infants; low-certainty evidence), or BPD (RR 1.14, 95% CI 0.74 to 1.76; 8 studies, 1917 infants; low-certainty evidence). nHF likely results in an increase in treatment failure within 72 hours of trial entry (RR 1.70, 95% CI 1.41 to 2.06; RD 0.09, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.12; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome (NNTH) 11, 95% CI 8 to 17; 9 studies, 2042 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). However, nHF likely does not increase the rate of mechanical ventilation (RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.31; 9 studies, 2042 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). nHF likely results in a reduction in pneumothorax (RR 0.66, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.08; 10 studies, 2094 infants; moderate-certainty evidence) and nasal trauma (RR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.68; RD -0.06, 95% CI -0.09 to -0.04; 7 studies, 1595 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). Nasal high flow compared with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation for primary respiratory support in preterm infants Four studies compared nHF with NIPPV for primary respiratory support in preterm infants. When compared with NIPPV, nHF may result in little to no difference in the combined outcome of death or BPD, but the evidence is very uncertain (RR 0.64, 95% CI 0.30 to 1.37; RD -0.05, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.04; 2 studies, 182 infants; very low-certainty evidence). nHF may result in little to no difference in the risk of death (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.69; RD -0.02, 95% CI -0.10 to 0.05; 3 studies, 254 infants; low-certainty evidence). nHF likely results in little to no difference in the incidence of treatment failure within 72 hours of trial entry compared with NIPPV (RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.79; 4 studies, 343 infants; moderate-certainty evidence), or mechanical ventilation within 72 hours of trial entry (RR 0.91, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.33; 4 studies, 343 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). nHF likely results in a reduction in nasal trauma, compared with NIPPV (RR 0.21, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.47; RD -0.17, 95% CI -0.24 to -0.10; 3 studies, 272 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). nHF likely results in little to no difference in the rate of pneumothorax (RR 0.78, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.53; 4 studies, 344 infants; moderate-certainty evidence). Nasal high flow compared with ambient oxygen We found no studies examining this comparison. Nasal high flow compared with low flow nasal cannulae We found no studies examining this comparison.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The use of nHF for primary respiratory support in preterm infants of 28 weeks' gestation or greater may result in little to no difference in death or BPD, compared with CPAP or NIPPV. nHF likely results in an increase in treatment failure within 72 hours of trial entry compared with CPAP; however, it likely does not increase the rate of mechanical ventilation. Compared with CPAP, nHF use likely results in less nasal trauma and likely a reduction in pneumothorax. As few extremely preterm infants less than 28 weeks' gestation were enrolled in the included trials, evidence is lacking for the use of nHF for primary respiratory support in this population.

Target product profile: aerosolized surfactant for neonatal respiratory distress

Treatment with surfactant has been found to improve the survival rate of neonates with respiratory distress syndrome, particularly preterm infants. However, surfactant is usually administered by endotracheal intubation and generally only in level-3 neonatal intensive care units. Recent improvements in aerosolization technology have raised the possibility that aerosolized surfactant could now be given in wider range of settings, including resource-poor settings. Consequently, the World Health Organization has developed a target product profile for product developers that describes the optimal and minimal characteristics of an aerosolized surfactant for treating neonates with respiratory distress syndrome in low- and middle-income countries. Development of the target product profile involved a scoping review of systematic reviews and target product profiles of aerosolized surfactant, the constitution of an international expert advisory group, consultations with medical professionals from a wide range of countries and a public consultation. The resulting target product profile specifies that the surfactant and its associated aerosolization device should ideally, among other characteristics: (i) be at least as safe and effective as current intratracheal surfactant; (ii) produce a rapid clinical improvement; (iii) be easy to transport and use (e.g. by nurses in level-2 health-care facilities in low- and middle-income countries); (iv) be affordable for low- and middle-income countries; and (v) be stable when stored in hot and humid conditions. In addition, the aerosolization device should be capable of daily use for many years. The introduction of an effective aerosolized surfactant globally could substantially reduce neonatal mortality due to respiratory distress syndrome.

Bubble devices versus other pressure sources for nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Several types of pressure sources, including underwater bubble devices, mechanical ventilators, and the Infant Flow Driver, are used for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) to preterm infants with respiratory distress. It is unclear whether the use of bubble CPAP versus other pressure sources is associated with lower rates of CPAP treatment failure, or mortality and other morbidity.  OBJECTIVES: To assess the benefits and harms of bubble CPAP versus other pressure sources (mechanical ventilators or Infant Flow Driver) for reducing treatment failure and associated morbidity and mortality in newborn preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL; 2023, Issue 1); MEDLINE (1946 to 6 January 2023), Embase (1974 to 6 January 2023), Maternity & Infant Care Database (1971 to 6 January 2023), and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (1982 to 6 January 2023). We searched clinical trials databases and the reference lists of retrieved articles.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing bubble CPAP with other pressure sources (mechanical ventilators or Infant Flow Driver) for the delivery of nasal CPAP to preterm infants.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Two review authors separately evaluated trial quality, extracted data, and synthesised effect estimates using risk ratio (RR), risk difference (RD), and mean difference. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence for effects on treatment failure, all-cause mortality, neurodevelopmental impairment, pneumothorax, moderate-severe nasal trauma, and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 trials involving a total of 1437 infants. All trials were small (median number of participants 88). The methods used to generate the randomisation sequence and ensure allocation concealment were unclear in about half of the trial reports. Lack of measures to blind caregivers or investigators was a potential source of bias in all of the included trials. The trials took place during the past 25 years in care facilities internationally, predominantly in India (five trials) and Iran (four trials). The studied pressure sources were commercially available bubble CPAP devices versus a variety of mechanical ventilator (11 trials) or Infant Flow Driver (4 trials) devices.  Meta-analyses suggest that the use of bubble CPAP compared with mechanical ventilator or Infant Flow Driver CPAP may reduce the rate of treatment failure (RR 0.76, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.60 to 0.95; (I² = 31%); RD -0.05, 95% CI -0.10 to -0.01; number needed to treat for an additional beneficial outcome 20, 95% CI 10 to 100; 13 trials, 1230 infants; low certainty evidence). The type of pressure source may not affect mortality prior to hospital discharge (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.36 (I² = 0%); RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.04 to 0.02; 10 trials, 1189 infants; low certainty evidence). No data were available on neurodevelopmental impairment. Meta-analysis suggests that the pressure source may not affect the risk of pneumothorax (RR 0.73, 95% CI 0.40 to 1.34 (I² = 0%); RD -0.01, 95% CI -0.03 to 0.01; 14 trials, 1340 infants; low certainty evidence). Bubble CPAP likely increases the risk of moderate-severe nasal injury (RR 2.29, 95% CI 1.37 to 3.82 (I² = 17%); RD 0.07, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.11; number needed to treat for an additional harmful outcome 14, 95% CI 9 to 33; 8 trials, 753 infants; moderate certainty evidence). The pressure source may not affect the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR 0.76, 95% CI 0.53 to 1.10 (I² = 0%); RD -0.04, 95% CI -0.09 to 0.01; 7 trials, 603 infants; low certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Given the low level of certainty about the effects of bubble CPAP versus other pressure sources on the risk of treatment failure and most associated morbidity and mortality for preterm infants, further large, high-quality trials are needed to provide evidence of sufficient validity and applicability to inform context- and setting-relevant policy and practice.

Prophylactic Administration of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Does Not Prevent Arrested Lung Development in Extremely Premature-Born Non-Human Primates

Premature birth is a leading cause of childhood morbidity and mortality and often followed by an arrest of postnatal lung development called bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Therapies using exogenous mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) have proven highly efficacious in term-born rodent models of this disease, but effects of MSC in actual premature-born lungs are largely unknown. Here, we investigated thirteen non-human primates (baboons; Papio spp.) that were born at the limit of viability and given a single, intravenous dose of ten million human umbilical cord tissue-derived MSC per kilogram or placebo immediately after birth. Following two weeks of human-equivalent neonatal intensive care including mechanical ventilation, lung function testing and echocardiographic studies, lung tissues were analyzed using unbiased stereology. We noted that therapy with MSC was feasible, safe and without signs of engraftment when administered as controlled infusion over 15 minutes, but linked to adverse events when given faster. Administration of cells was associated with improved cardiovascular stability, but neither benefited lung structure, nor lung function after two weeks of extrauterine life. We concluded that a single, intravenous administration of MSC had no short- to mid-term lung-protective effects in extremely premature-born baboons, sharply contrasting data from term-born rodent models of arrested postnatal lung development and urging for investigations on the mechanisms of cell-based therapies for diseases of prematurity in actual premature organisms.

Capnography for catheter location confirmation in minimally invasive surfactant administration

OBJECTIVES

Minimally Invasive Surfactant Treatment (MIST) is a common method for administering surfactant as a treatment for respiratory distress syndrome. However, tracheal catheter placement can be difficult to confirm. We assessed the presence of carbon dioxide (CO₂) in tracheal and esophageal gas aspirated using CO₂ detector.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective arm: 20 infants, MIST catheter placement was assessed with a CO₂ detector in two techniques and confirmed with clinical response. Prospective arm-10 infants, aimed to check for CO₂ presence in aspirated esophageal gas during routine nasogastric tube insertion.

RESULTS

Retrospective arm: All infants had positive capnography. One infant that had no clinical response to MIST was diagnosed with total anomalous pulmonary venous return. All 10 infants of the prospective arm had a Negative capnography (P < 0.001, Fisher's exact test).

CONCLUSIONS

Readily available CO₂ detectors can distinguish between tracheal and esophageal placement of MIST catheters prior to MIST.

European Consensus Guidelines on the Management of Respiratory Distress Syndrome: 2022 Update

Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) care pathways evolve slowly as new evidence emerges. We report the sixth version of "European Guidelines for the Management of RDS" by a panel of experienced European neonatologists and an expert perinatal obstetrician based on available literature up to end of 2022. Optimising outcome for babies with RDS includes prediction of risk of preterm delivery, appropriate maternal transfer to a perinatal centre, and appropriate and timely use of antenatal steroids. Evidence-based lung-protective management includes initiation of non-invasive respiratory support from birth, judicious use of oxygen, early surfactant administration, caffeine therapy, and avoidance of intubation and mechanical ventilation where possible. Methods of ongoing non-invasive respiratory support have been further refined and may help reduce chronic lung disease. As technology for delivering mechanical ventilation improves, the risk of causing lung injury should decrease, although minimising time spent on mechanical ventilation by targeted use of postnatal corticosteroids remains essential. The general care of infants with RDS is also reviewed, including emphasis on appropriate cardiovascular support and judicious use of antibiotics as being important determinants of best outcome. We would like to dedicate this guideline to the memory of Professor Henry Halliday who died on November 12, 2022.These updated guidelines contain evidence from recent Cochrane reviews and medical literature since 2019. Strength of evidence supporting recommendations has been evaluated using the GRADE system. There are changes to some of the previous recommendations as well as some changes to the strength of evidence supporting recommendations that have not changed. This guideline has been endorsed by the European Society for Paediatric Research (ESPR) and the Union of European Neonatal and Perinatal Societies (UENPS).

A Survey of Less Invasive Surfactant Administration Usage in India

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) has evolved as an alternative method for surfactant administration. An anonymous web-based survey of 22 questions was designed and sent to 127 neonatologists in India. Seventy-seven (61%) responses were returned from 22 states across India. Among 77 participants, 53 (68.8%) were using LISA, and amongst them, 19 (35.8%) were using LISA as the preferred method. Twenty-one (39.6%) LISA-using respondents learned the technique of LISA by watching online videos, whereas 20 (37.7%) acquired this skill during in-house training sessions. Nineteen (35.8%) centers were not using any premedication before performing LISA. Twenty (37.7%) participants notified regurgitation of surfactant needing a repeat dose as the most common problem encountered while performing LISA. The most common reason for not using LISA was lack of training (n = 20, 83.33%). Though LISA is a promising method of surfactant administration, not many centers prefer LISA in India due to the absence of uniform standardized training.

Respiratory management in the premature neonate

INTRODUCTION

Advances in neonatal care have made possible the increased survival of extremely preterm infants. Even though there is widespread recognition of the harmful effects of mechanical ventilation on the developing lung, its use has become imperative in the management of micro-/nano-preemies. There is an increased emphasis on the use of less-invasive approaches such as minimally invasive surfactant therapy and non-invasive ventilation that have been proven to result in improved outcomes.

AREAS COVERED

Here, we review the evidence-based practices surrounding the respiratory management of extremely preterm infants including delivery room interventions, invasive and non-invasive ventilation approaches, and specific ventilator strategies in respiratory distress syndrome and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Adjuvant relevant respiratory pharmacotherapies used in preterm neonates are also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Early use of non-invasive ventilation and use of less invasive surfactant administration are key strategies in the management of respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants. Ventilator management in bronchopulmonary dysplasia must be tailored according to the individual phenotype. There is strong evidence to start caffeine early to improve respiratory outcomes, but evidence is lacking on the use of other pharmacological agents in preterm neonates, and an individualized approach has to be considered for their use.

Sedation for less invasive surfactant administration in preterm infants: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Sedation to preterm neonates receiving less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) for respiratory distress syndrome is controversial.

METHODS

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies (OS) to evaluate the effect of sedative drugs for LISA on respiratory outcomes and adverse effects.

RESULTS

One RCT (78 neonates) and two OS (519 neonates) were analyzed in pairwise meta-analysis and 30 studies (2164 neonates) in proportion-based meta-analysis. Sedative drugs might not affect the duration of the procedure [RCT: mean difference (MD) (95% CI); -11 (-90; 67) s; OS: MD 95% CI: -60 (-178; 58) s; low certainty of evidence (CoE)]. Evidence for success at the first attempt and rescue intubation was uncertain (very low CoE). The risk of nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation [RCT: 1.97 (1.38-2.81); OS: RR, 95% CI: 2.96 (1.46; 6.00), low CoE], desaturation [RCT: RR, 95% CI: 1.30 (1.03; 1.65), low CoE], and apnea [OS: RR, 95% CI: 3.13 (1.35; 7.24), very low CoE] might be increased with sedation. Bradycardia, hypotension, and mechanical ventilation were comparable between groups (low CoE).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of sedative drugs for LISA temporarily affects the newborn's breathing. Further trials are warranted to explore the use of sedation for LISA.

IMPACT

The effect of sedative drugs (analgesics, sedatives, anesthetics) compared to the effect of no-sedation for LISA in preterm infants with RDS is underexplored. This systematic review and meta-analysis assesses the impact of sedative drugs compared to no-sedation for LISA on short-term pulmonary outcomes and potential adverse events. Sedative drugs for LISA temporarily affect the newborn's breathing (desaturation, apnea) and increase the need for nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation. For most outcomes, certainty of evidence is low/very low.

Experience of less invasive surfactant administration with a 5F infant feeding tube in a tertiary center of low- and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) results in less need for mechanical ventilation and a reduction in death, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and intraventricular hemorrhage as outcomes. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and short-term outcomes of surfactant administration by the LISA method using an 5F infant feeding tube in preterm infants.

METHODS

During the period from May, 2019 to August, 2022, we carried out a prospective observational study that included all premature infants with respiratory distress syndrome who were admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit. The study involved collecting and analyzing data on the procedural efficacy of LISA, vital parameters, and short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

Our study included a total of 110 infants with an average gestational age of 30.9 ± 1.9 weeks and a mean birthweight of 1347.5 ± 354.1 g. Of these infants, two required intubation during the LISA procedure, whereas 11 infants required intubation within 72 h after LISA. Infants with a higher pre-surfactant fraction of inspired oxygen (Fi O2 ) requirement, an elevated Score for Neonatal Acute Physiology with Perinatal Extension (SNAPPE), and the presence of sepsis were associated with the need for intubation within the first 72 h of life. Thirty-one infants also experienced a drop in saturation of peripheral oxygen (SpO2 ) below 80% for more than 1 min.

CONCLUSIONS

Less invasive surfactant administration was feasible and safe to administer via an orotracheally introduced 5F infant feeding tube in non-invasive ventilation to support spontaneously breathing infants between 28+0 and 33+6  weeks of gestation.

Masks versus prongs as interfaces for nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Nasal masks and nasal prongs are used as interfaces for providing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) for preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress, either as primary support after birth or as ongoing support after endotracheal extubation from mechanical ventilation. It is unclear which type of interface is associated with lower rates of CPAP treatment failure, nasal trauma, or mortality and other morbidity.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the benefits and harms of nasal masks versus nasal prongs for reducing CPAP treatment failure, nasal trauma, or mortality and other morbidity in newborn preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was October 2021.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials comparing masks versus prongs as interfaces for delivery of nasal CPAP in newborn preterm infants (less than 37 weeks' gestation) with or at risk of respiratory distress.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. treatment failure, 2. all-cause mortality, and 3. neurodevelopmental impairment. Our secondary outcomes were 4. pneumothorax, 5. moderate-severe nasal trauma, 6. bronchopulmonary dysplasia, 7. duration of CPAP use, 8. duration of oxygen supplementation, 9. duration of hospitalisation, 10. patent ductus arteriosus receiving medical or surgical treatment, 11. necrotising enterocolitis, 12. severe intraventricular haemorrhage, and 13. severe retinopathy of prematurity. We used the GRADE approach to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 12 trials with 1604 infants. All trials were small (median number of participants 118). The trials occurred after 2001 in care facilities internationally, predominantly in India (eight trials). Most participants were preterm infants of 26 to 34 weeks' gestation who received nasal CPAP as the primary form of respiratory support after birth. The studied interfaces included commonly used commercially available masks and prongs. Lack of measures to blind caregivers or investigators was a potential source of performance and detection bias in all the trials. Meta-analyses suggested that use of masks compared with prongs may reduce CPAP treatment failure (risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58 to 0.90; 8 trials, 919 infants; low certainty). The type of interface may not affect mortality prior to hospital discharge (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.22; 7 trials, 814 infants; low certainty). There are no data on neurodevelopmental impairment. Meta-analyses suggest that the choice of interface may result in little or no difference in the risk of pneumothorax (RR 0.93, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.93; 5 trials, 625 infants; low certainty). Use of masks rather than prongs may reduce the risk of moderate-severe nasal injury (RR 0.55, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.71; 10 trials, 1058 infants; low certainty). The evidence is very uncertain about the effect on bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR 0.69, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.03; 7 trials, 843 infants; very low certainty).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The available trial data provide low-certainty evidence that use of masks compared with prongs as the nasal CPAP interface may reduce treatment failure and nasal injury, and may have little or no effect on mortality or the risk of pneumothorax in newborn preterm infants with or at risk of respiratory distress. The effect on bronchopulmonary dysplasia is very uncertain. Large, high-quality trials would be needed to provide evidence of sufficient validity and applicability to inform policy and practice.

Association of Administration of Surfactant Using Less Invasive Methods With Outcomes in Extremely Preterm Infants Less Than 27 Weeks of Gestation

IMPORTANCE

The inclusion of less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) in the care of preterm infants has been found to be beneficial for respiratory outcomes. Recently, the OPTIMIST trial found higher mortality rates in the subgroup of infants born at 25 to 26 weeks' gestational age (GA) who received surfactant treatment while spontaneously breathing.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze outcomes among LISA-exposed, highly vulnerable babies born at less than 27 weeks' GA within the large-scale observational cohort of the German Neonatal Network.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

In this cohort study of data from 68 tertiary level neonatal intensive care units in Germany of infants born between 22 weeks 0 days to 26 weeks 6 days of gestation between April 1, 2009, and December 31, 2020, short-term outcomes among infants receiving LISA vs infants not receiving LISA were compared.

EXPOSURE

Use of LISA within the first 72 hours of life.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The main outcomes were rates of LISA use, use of mechanical ventilation within the first 72 hours (considered failure of LISA), and association of LISA with outcomes, including death from all causes, bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), death and BPD combined, pneumothorax, retinopathy of prematurity, intracerebral hemorrhage, and periventricular leukomalacia. To address potential confounding factors, multivariate logistic regression models were used.

RESULTS

A total of 6542 infants (3030 [46.3%] female and 3512 [53.7%] male; mean [SD] GA, 25.3 (1.1) weeks; mean [SD] birth weight, 715 [180] g) were analyzed; 2534 infants (38.7%) received LISA, which was most frequently given quasi-prophylactically during delivery room management. Among the infants who received LISA, 1357 (53.6%) did not require mechanical ventilation in the first 72 hours compared with 331 infants (8.3%) of 4008 who did not receive LISA. In a multivariate logistic regression model that adjusted for GA, small-for-GA status, sex, multiple birth, inborn status, antenatal steroid use, and maximum fraction of inspired oxygen in the first 12 hours of life, LISA was associated with reduced risks of all-cause death (odds ratio [OR], 0.74; 95% CI, 0.61-0.90; P = .002), BPD (OR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.62-0.78; P < .001), and BPD or death (OR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.57-0.72; P < .001) compared with infants without LISA exposure.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this long-term multicenter cohort study suggest that LISA may be associated with reduced risks of adverse outcomes in extremely preterm infants.

Multicentre randomised trial of invasive and less invasive surfactant delivery methods showed similar spirometry results at 5-9 years of age

AIM

We explored whether subnormal forced expiratory volume within one second (FEV₁ ) at 5-9 years of age was lower in children born preterm who received less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) rather than surfactant via an endotracheal tube.

METHODS

The multicentre, randomised Nonintubated Surfactant Application trial enrolled 211 preterm infants born at 23-26 weeks of gestation from 13 level III neonatal intensive care units from April 2009 to March 2012. They received surfactant via LISA (n=107) or after conventional endotracheal intubation (n=104). The follow-up assessments were carried out by a single team blinded to the group assignments. The main outcome was FEV₁ <80% of predicted values.

RESULTS

Spirometry was successful in 102/121 children. The other children died or were lost to follow up. Median FEV₁ was 93% (interquartile range 80-113%) of predicted values in the LISA group and 86% (interquartile range 77-102%) in the control group (p=0.685). Rates of FEV₁ < 80% were 11/57 (19%) and 15/45 (33 %) respectively, which was an absolute risk reduction of 14% (95% confidence interval -3.1% to 31.2%, p=0.235). There were no differences in other outcome measures.

CONCLUSION

The proportion of children aged 5-9 years with subnormal FEV₁ was not significantly different between the groups.

Pharmacotherapy in Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia: What Is the Evidence?

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is a multifactorial disease affecting over 35% of extremely preterm infants born each year. Despite the advances made in understanding the pathogenesis of this disease over the last five decades, BPD remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in this population, and the incidence of the disease increases with decreasing gestational age. As inflammation is one of the key drivers in the pathogenesis, it has been targeted by majority of pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods to prevent BPD. Most extremely premature infants receive a myriad of medications during their stay in the neonatal intensive care unit in an effort to prevent or manage BPD, with corticosteroids, caffeine, and diuretics being the most commonly used medications. However, there is no consensus regarding their use and benefits in this population. This review summarizes the available literature regarding these medications and aims to provide neonatologists and neonatal providers with evidence-based recommendations.

Alternative Methods of Surfactant Administration in Preterm Infants with Respiratory Distress Syndrome: State of the Art

For preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome, delivery of surfactant via brief intubation (INtubate, SURfactant, Extubate; InSurE) has been the standard technique of surfactant administration. However, this method requires intubation and positive pressure ventilation. It is thought that even the short exposure to positive pressure inflations may be enough to initiate the cascade of events that lead to lung injury in the smallest neonates. In an effort to avoid tracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation, several alternative and less invasive techniques of exogenous surfactant administration have been developed over the years. These have been investigated in clinical studies, including randomized clinical trials, and have demonstrated advantages such as a decrease in the need for mechanical ventilation and incidence of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. These newer techniques of surfactant delivery also have the benefit of being easier to perform. Surfactant delivery via pharyngeal instillation, laryngeal mask, aerosolization, and placement of a thin catheter are being actively pursued in research. We present a contemporary review of surfactant administration for respiratory distress syndrome via these alternative methods in the hope of guiding physicians in their choices for surfactant application in the neonatal intensive care unit.

Safety and efficacy of a novel double-lumen tracheal tube in neonates with RDS: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and efficacy of a new double-lumen tracheal tube for neonates, with a conventional tracheal tube as a control.

METHOD

Newborns with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) requiring endotracheal intubation admitted to the tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of Qujing Maternal and Child Healthcare Hospital in Yunnan Province between March 2021 and May 2022 were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Outcome indicators related to effectiveness included mainly the number of intubations, duration of ventilation, duration of oxygenation, and length of stay; safety indicators included any clinical adverse effects during and after intubation. Appropriate stratified and subgroup analyses were performed according to the purpose of intubation, gestational age, and whether the drug was administered via endotracheal tube.

RESULT

A total of 101 neonates were included and divided into two groups based on the choice of tracheal tube: the conventional (n = 50) and new (n = 51) tracheal tube groups. There was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of adverse effects during and after intubation (p > 0.05). In neonates who were mechanically ventilated without endotracheal surfactant therapy or newborns receiving InSurE technique followed by non-invasive ventilation, no significant differences were found between the two groups regarding any of the efficacy indicators (p > 0.05). However, for neonates on invasive mechanical ventilation, the new tracheal tube allowed for a significant reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (96.50[74.00, 144.00] vs. 121.00[96.00, 196.50] hours, p = 0.037) and total ventilation (205.71 ± 80.24 vs. 277.56 ± 117.84 h, p = 0.027), when used as a route for endotracheal drug delivery. Further analysis was performed according to gestational age for newborns requiring intratracheal surfactant administration during mechanical ventilation, and the data showed that for preterm infants, the new tracheal tube not only shortened the duration of mechanical ventilation (101.75 ± 39.72 vs. 155.50 ± 51.49 h, p = 0.026) and total ventilation (216.00 ± 81.60 vs. 351.50 ± 113.79 h, p = 0.010), but also demonstrated significant advantages in reducing the duration of oxygen therapy (9.75 ± 6.02 vs. 17.33 ± 8.43 days, p = 0.042); however, there was no statistical difference in efficacy outcomes between the two groups in full-term infants (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The efficacy and safety of this new tracheal tube are promising in neonates with RDS, especially those requiring surfactant administration via a tracheal tube during mechanical ventilation. Given the limitations of this study, however, the clinical feasibility of this catheter needs to be further confirmed in prospective randomized trials with larger sample sizes.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=122073.

Management Practices During Perinatal Respiratory Transition of Very Premature Infants

The present review considers some controversial management practices during extremely premature perinatal transition. We focus on perinatal prevention and treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) in immature infants. New concerns regarding antenatal corticosteroid management have been raised. Many fetuses are only exposed to potential adverse effects of the drug. Hence, the formulation and the dosage may need to be modified. Another challenge is to increase the fraction of the high-risk fetuses that benefit from the drug and to minimize the harmful effects of the drug. On the other hand, boosting anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of surfactant requires further attention. Techniques of prophylactic surfactant administration to extremely immature infants at birth may be further refined. Also, new findings suggest that prophylactic treatment of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) of a high-risk population rather than later selective closure of PDA may be preferred. The TREOCAPA trial (Prophylactic treatment of the ductus arteriosus in preterm infants by acetaminophen) evaluates, whether early intravenous paracetamol decreases the serious cardiorespiratory consequences following extremely premature birth. Lastly, is inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) used in excess? According to current evidence, iNO treatment of uncomplicated RDS is not indicated. Considerably less than 10% of all very premature infants are affected by early persistence of pulmonary hypertension (PPHN). According to observational studies, effective ventilation combined with early iNO treatment are effective in management of this previously fatal disease. PPHN is associated with prolonged rupture of fetal membranes and birth asphyxia. The lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced immunotolerance and hypoxia-reperfusion-induced oxidant stress may inactivate NO-synthetases in pulmonary arterioles and terminal airways. Prospective trials on iNO in the management of PPHN are indicated. Other pulmonary vasodilators may be considered as comparison drugs or adjunctive drugs. The multidisciplinary challenge is to understand the regulation of pregnancy duration and the factors participating the onset of extremely premature preterm deliveries and respiratory adaptation. Basic research aims to identify deficiencies in maternal and fetal tissues that predispose to very preterm births and deteriorate the respiratory adaptation of immature infants. Better understanding on causes and prevention of extremely preterm births would eventually provide effective antenatal and neonatal management practices required for the intact survival.

Teaching fiberoptic-assisted tracheoscopy in very low birth weight infants: A randomized controlled simulator study

OBJECTIVE

We developed a fiberoptic-assisted tracheoscopy (FAST) method to avoid direct laryngoscopy during surfactant replacement therapy and compared two training approaches on a very low birth weight (VLBW) infant simulator.

DESIGN

This prospective randomized controlled study was conducted at the Department of Neonatology and Pediatric Intensive Care Medicine of the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Germany.

PARTICIPANTS

We recruited physicians, trainees, students, and nurses without prior experience in endoscopic techniques.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were assigned randomly to a group that received instructions according to Peyton's Four-Step Approach and a control group that received standard bedside teaching only.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Primary endpoints were the total and the component times required to place the bronchoscope and the method success.

RESULTS

We recruited 186 participants. Compared with the control group, the Peyton group had a lower mean (±standard deviation) FAST completion time (33.2 ± 27.5 s vs. 79.5 ± 47.9 s, p < 0.001; d = 1.12) and a higher FAST success rate (95% vs. 84%, p = 0.036, V = 0.18).

CONCLUSION

After standardized training, the vast majority of novices completed FAST successfully. Peyton's four-step approach resulted in faster and more successful performance than standardized training.

A multicenter, randomized controlled, non-inferiority trial, comparing nasal continuous positive airway pressure with nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation as primary support before minimally invasive surfactant administration for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (the NIV-MISA-RDS trial): Study protocol

BACKGROUND

Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatment has been developed to minimize lung damage and to avoid invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in preterm infants, especially in those with a gestational age of <30 weeks. Our hypothesis is that for preterm infants <30 weeks with potential to develop respiratory distress syndrome (RDS), nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) is non-inferior to the nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) as primary respiratory support before minimal invasive surfactant administration (MISA).

METHODS AND DESIGN

The NIV-MISA-RDS trial is planned as an unblinded, multicenter, randomized, non-inferiority trial at 14 tertiary neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in China. Eligible infants are preterm infants of 24-29⁺⁶ weeks of gestational age who have spontaneous breaths at birth and require primary NIV support for RDS. Infants are randomized 1:1 to treatment with either NCPAP or NIPPV once admitted into NICUs. If an infant presents progressively aggravated respiratory distress and is clinically diagnosed as having RDS, pulmonary surfactant will be supplemented by MISA in the first 2 h of life. The primary outcome is NIV treatment failure within 72 h after birth. With a specified non-inferiority margin of 10%, using a two-sided 95% CI and 80% power, the study requires 480 infants per group (in total 960 infants).

DISCUSSION

Current evidence shows that NIV and MISA may be the most effective strategy for minimizing IMV in preterm infants with RDS. However, there are few large randomized controlled trials to compare the effectiveness of NCPAP and NIPPV as the primary respiratory support after birth and before surfactant administration. We will conduct this trial to test the hypothesis that NCPAP is not inferior to NIPPV as the initial respiratory support in reducing the use of IMV in premature infants who have spontaneous breaths after birth and who do not require intubation in the first 2 h after birth. The study will provide clinical data for the selection of the initial non-invasive ventilation mode in preterm infants with a gestational age of <30 weeks with spontaneous breaths after birth.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

https://register.clinicaltrials.gov, identifier: NCT05137340.

Population-Based Outcome Data of Extremely Preterm Infants in Germany during 2010-2017

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Results of five randomized controlled trials (RCT) sequentially published in 2010-2013 suggested that aiming for higher, as opposed to lower oxygen saturation targets, reduces rates of mortality in infants <28 weeks of gestation, while increasing rates of severe retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Two further RCTs published in 2011 and 2015 demonstrated that avoiding endotracheal intubation by minimally invasive surfactant administration reduces respiratory morbidity. Assuming that such data are likely to affect clinical practice and ultimate outcome, we analyzed population-level results in extremely preterm infants born across Germany during 2010-2017.

METHODS

We used mandatory German quality surveillance data to compare mortality and morbidities in preterm infants born between 24 weeks 0 days and 27 weeks 6 days of gestation in 2010-2013 versus 2014-2017.

RESULTS

Mortality decreased from 15.1% (1,366/9,058) in 2010-2013 to 12.7% (1,385/10,924) in 2014-2017, risk ratio (RR) 0.845 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.784-0.901). Rates of severe ROP (≥grade 3) per survivor increased from 12.1% (930/7,692) to 13.3% (1.269/9,539), RR 1.100 (95% CI: 1.017-1.191). The lowest mortality and highest ROP rates were found in infants born in 2014. There was no change in rates of necrotizing enterocolitis, while those of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) decreased steadily between 2010 and 2017, alongside the increased proportion of infants who were never intubated.

CONCLUSIONS

There was a moderate decline in mortality, an insignificant increase in severe ROP, and a steady decline of BPD in Germany during 2010-2017. Avoiding endotracheal intubation may have contributed to lowered BPD rates.

Enhanced INSURE (ENSURE): an updated and standardised reference for surfactant administration

There is no firm consensus about the optimal technique for the administration of exogenous surfactant in preterm neonates, and different techniques may be equally effective. The intubation-surfactant-extubation (INSURE) procedure has not been fully described, and important details, such as duration and mode of ventilation, remain unclear, leading to significant clinical practice variations and influencing its suitability and feasibility. Since the first INSURE description, our knowledge in respiratory care has largely progressed, but the technique has not been updated according to current evidence-based practice. Thus, our aim is to formally describe a modern way to perform INSURE, based on the current knowledge and technology, to increase its feasibility and patients' safety. We offer ENSURE (Enhanced INSURE) as an updated and standardised technique for surfactant administration, clarifying crucial issues of the original method by applying current state-of-the-art concepts of respiratory care. We performed a cross-sectional observational study enrolling 57 preterm neonates describing ENSURE feasibility and safety.   Conclusion: ENSURE can be used as a reference technique in clinical practice, teaching and research. What is Known: • There is no consensus about the optimal method for surfactant administration. INSURE technique has been originally described many years ago without considering modern principles of neonatal respiratory care and the available state-of-the-art technology. What is New: • We here describe a modern way to perform INSURE, based on the current knowledge and technology. We called it ENSURE (Enhanced INSURE) and clarified crucial points of the original technique, in light of the current knowledge. We verified feasibility and safety of ENSURE in a cross-sectional observational study enrolling 57 preterm neonates.

Improved Less Invasive Surfactant Administration Success in Preterm Infants after Procedure Standardization

Less invasive surfactant administration (LISA) has been introduced at our tertiary Level IV perinatal center since 2016 with an unsatisfactory success rate, which we attributed to an inconsistent, non-standardized approach and ambiguous patient inclusion criteria. This study aimed to improve the LISA success rate to at least 75% within 12 months by implementing a highly standardized LISA approach combined with team training. The Plan Do Study Act method of quality improvement was used for this initiative. Baseline assessment included a review of patient medical records 12 months before the intervention regarding patient characteristics, method success rate, respiratory, and adverse outcomes. A multi-professional team developed a standardized LISA approach and a training program including an educational film, checklists, pocket cards, and team briefings. Twenty-one preterm infants received LISA before and 24 after the intervention. The mean LISA success rate improved from 62% before the intervention to 92% (p = 0.029) after the intervention. Implementing a highly standardized LISA approach and multi-professional team training significantly improved the methods’ success rate.

The Intertemporal Role of Respiratory Support in Improving Neonatal Outcomes: A Narrative Review

Defining improvements in healthcare can be challenging due to the need to assess multiple outcomes and measures. In neonates, although progress in respiratory support has been a key factor in improving survival, the same degree of improvement has not been documented in certain outcomes, such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia. By exploring the evolution of neonatal respiratory care over the last 60 years, this review highlights not only the scientific advances that occurred with the application of invasive mechanical ventilation but also the weakness of the existing knowledge. The contributing role of non-invasive ventilation and less-invasive surfactant administration methods as well as of certain pharmacological therapies is also discussed. Moreover, we analyze the cost-benefit of neonatal care-respiratory support and present future challenges and perspectives.