Electrical activity of the diaphragm during nCPAP and high flow nasal cannula

To determine if the electrical activity of the diaphragm, as measure of neural respiratory drive and breathing effort, changes over time in preterm infants transitioned from nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP) to high flow nasal cannula (HFNC).

Prospective observational study.

Neonatal intensive care unit.

Stable preterm infants transitioned from nCPAP to HFNC using a 1:1 pressure to flow ratio.

The electrical activity of the diaphragm was measured by transcutaneous electromyography (dEMG) from 30 min before until 3 hours after the transition.

At eight time points after the transition to HFNC, diaphragmatic activity was compared with the baseline on nCPAP. Percentage change in amplitude_dEMG, peak_dEMG and tonic_dEMG were calculated. Furthermore, changes in respiratory rate, heart rate and fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO₂) were analysed.

Thirty-two preterm infants (mean gestational age: 28.1±2.2 weeks, mean birth weight: 1118±368 g) were included. Compared with nCPAP, the electrical activity of the diaphragm did not change during the first 3 hours on HFNC (median (IQR) change in amplitude_dEMG at t=180 min: 2.81% (-21.51-14.10)). The respiratory rate, heart rate and FiO₂ remained stable during the 3-hour measurement.

Neural respiratory drive and breathing effort assessed by electrical activity of the diaphragm is similar in the first 3 hours after transitioning stable preterm infants from nCPAP to HFNC with a 1:1 pressure-to-flow ratio.