Humidification Practices of Extremely Preterm Neonates: A Clinical Survey

Area of Science:

• Neonatology
• Pediatric Critical Care
• Skin Barrier Research

Background:

• Extremely preterm neonates possess underdeveloped skin barriers, increasing risks of morbidity and mortality.
• Humidified incubators are standard NICU care, yet evidence-based practices for humidification are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate current humidification practices in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).
• To identify variability in humidification protocols for extremely preterm neonates.
• To highlight the need for standardized, evidence-based guidelines.

Main Methods:

• A voluntary, anonymous survey on humidification guidelines was distributed.
• Survey responses were collected from a home institution and external national/international institutions.
• Qualitative analysis was performed on 89 home institution and 42 external responses.

Main Results:

• Significant variability exists in humidification practices within the home institution, despite existing guidelines.
• External institutions also exhibit considerable differences in humidification protocols.
• No universal standard humidification guideline for extremely preterm neonates in the NICU was identified.

Conclusions:

• Current NICU humidification practices for extremely preterm infants are inconsistent.
• Further research is essential to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines.
• Standardized guidelines are needed to mitigate morbidity and mortality in this vulnerable population.