Implementation of a protocol-based strategy for weaning nasal high flow therapy in preterm infants

We compared protocolized weaning versus nonprotocolized weaning practice from nasal high flow therapy (nHFT) in preterm infants.

A before-and- after observational study.

The study was conducted in three phases; Phase 1: infants were weaned according to usual practice for 6 months (nonprotocolized), Phase 2: education and training physicians and nursing staff for the protocol for 1 month, and Phase 3: protocol of weaning from nHFT was applied for the following 6 months with specified criteria for readiness to wean, weaning failure and weaning technique. The primary outcome was failure to wean off nHFT.

One hundred and four preterm infants were enrolled, 51 preterm infants in the protocol group and 53 in the nonprotocol group. The groups were similar in demographic and clinical characteristics at baseline. There were significantly lower number of patients who failed weaning from nHFT in the protocol group compared to nonprotocol group (4 [7.8%] versus 15 [28.3%], p = .007]. There was shorter time to reach full enteral feeding in the protocol group compared with nonprotocol group (p = .03). There were no significant differences between groups regarding other outcomes including total durations of respiratory support, nHFT and oxygen therapy, duration of nHFT after decision of weaning, and neonatal mortality and morbidity.

Implementation of a standardized protocol for weaning from nHFT in preterm infants reduced weaning failure and reduced the time to full feeds. Larger trials are recommended to detect the impact of weaning protocols on other outcomes.