CeasIng Cpap At standarD criteriA (CICADA): Implementation improves neonatal outcomes.

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Respiratory Physiology
• Clinical Practice Improvement

Background:

• A previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) demonstrated the CICADA method's efficacy in reducing CPAP duration for preterm infants.
• This study evaluated the real-world application of the CICADA method post-RCT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare cardio-respiratory outcomes in premature infants (<30 weeks gestation) across three epochs: pre-RCT, during RCT, and post-RCT implementation.
• To assess the effectiveness of the CICADA method in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection over three distinct time periods.
• Comparison of baseline characteristics and key cardio-respiratory outcomes.
• Analysis of infants born before 30 weeks gestation.

Main Results:

• Significant reductions in the duration of CPAP use and corrected gestational age at CPAP cessation were observed post-CICADA implementation.
• A notable decrease in the incidence of patent ductus arteriosus and chronic lung disease was recorded.
• No significant differences in gestational age or birth weight were found between the epochs.

Conclusions:

• The CICADA method led to significant improvements in CPAP duration, patent ductus arteriosus, and chronic lung disease rates.
• Early cessation of CPAP through the CICADA method facilitates a smoother transition from neonatal intensive care to special care settings.