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Prevention of nasal injuries secondary to NCPAP application in the ELBW infant

Amanda Jayne Squires1, Marilyn Hyndman

  • 1Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, NICU, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. amandasquires@yahoo.com

Neonatal Network : NN
|January 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Nasal injuries are a risk for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). Implementing protocols and staff education can help prevent these injuries during NCPAP therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Neonatal care
  • Pediatric respiratory medicine
  • Medical device interface research

Background:

  • Improved management has reduced bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and mortality in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants.
  • Early extubation to nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) reduces complications from endotracheal intubation.
  • Extended NCPAP use can lead to iatrogenic nasal injuries in vulnerable ELBW infants.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify the risks and challenges associated with maintaining ELBW infants on NCPAP.
  • To explore strategies for preventing nasal injuries in ELBW infants undergoing NCPAP therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing research and anecdotal evidence on nasal injuries in ELBW infants.
  • Analysis of risk factors associated with patient interface and NCPAP duration.
  • Focus on the vulnerability of immature skin and developing nasal structures in ELBW infants.

Main Results:

  • Duration of NCPAP therapy is the most significant risk factor for nasal injury.
  • Immature skin and developing nasal structures increase susceptibility to injury.
  • Maintaining NCPAP without nasal injury presents a challenge for NICU caregivers.

Conclusions:

  • Nasal injuries are a significant concern for ELBW infants receiving prolonged NCPAP.
  • Appropriate protocols, practice guidelines, and staff education are crucial for mitigating nasal injury.
  • Proactive measures can help ensure the safe and effective use of NCPAP in ELBW infants.

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