Use of neonatal active humidification: an observational study in high complexity maternity wards

Introduction. Active humidification treatment in incubators effectively reduces risks related to loss of barrier function in preterm infants. However, no conclusive evidence exists on the criteria for active humidification care. This study aimed to describe active humidification in incubators in newborn infants under 32 weeks in high-complexity public maternity hospitals in Argentina. Methods. An observational and cross-sectional study in supervisors of 68 neonatal intensive care units (NICU) in 2023, using a digital survey, designed ad hoc, anonymous, and voluntary, with four dimensions (sociodemographic variables, humidification criteria, nursing care, and humidity decrease, and withdrawal criteria) and 35 questions. Results. Sixty-four responses were obtained (94%); 84.3% of the NICUs use humidity in the incubators, ranging between 80-90% relative humidity; 57.8% use it, considering the gestational age. The average active humidification time was 11 days. During this period, 84.4% did not perform skin-to-skin contact. The patient's clinical condition was used in 35.9% as a criterion for withdrawal; 30% did not perceive any risk associated with the treatment, and although 48.4% identified a risk of infection, no measures were implemented to reduce it. Conclusions. The findings of this study show great variability in the criteria for initiation, duration, and withdrawal of active humidification in incubators in newborns younger than 32 weeks.