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Breathing Effort in Preterm Infants Comparing NIV NAVA and CPAP-A Randomised Crossover Study
Hilde Brenne1, Turid Follestad2, Håkon Bergseng1,3
1Department of Pediatrics, St. Olavs Hospital Trondheim University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway.
Insights
Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) significantly reduced breathing effort in preterm infants compared to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). This finding suggests NAVA may offer improved respiratory support for vulnerable newborns.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Respiratory Physiology
- Critical Care
Background:
- Preterm infants often require respiratory support post-extubation.
- Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) are common non-invasive ventilation strategies.
- Comparing the efficacy and infant comfort between these methods is crucial for optimizing care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare breathing effort in preterm infants receiving neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV NAVA) versus continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
- To evaluate diaphragmatic load, respiratory parameters, and clinical comfort scores.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover study design was employed.
- Preterm infants received 4-hour periods of NIV NAVA and CPAP.
- Breathing effort was quantified using diaphragmatic electrical activity (Edi peak and minimum), respiratory parameters, and comfort scores.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant reduction in Edi peak was observed with NIV NAVA compared to CPAP.
- Respiratory rate was significantly lower during NIV NAVA.
- Clinical distress scores were slightly higher with CPAP, though parental comfort reports were generally positive.
Conclusions:
- NIV NAVA demonstrates a significant reduction in peak diaphragmatic effort in preterm infants compared to CPAP.
- These findings suggest potential benefits of NIV NAVA for improving respiratory mechanics and comfort in this population.
Aim:
To compare breathing effort in preterm infants during neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV NAVA) and continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP).
Methods:
In this randomised crossover study, preterm infants were randomised to 4 h on NIV NAVA and 4 h on CPAP during daily activity and care. Breathing effort was measured by the diaphragmatic load (Edi) as Edi peak and Edi minimum, respiratory parameters, modified Silverman Andersen index and COMFORT neo score. The parents provided feedback regarding their child's comfort and breathing.
Results:
Twenty preterm infants with gestational age 234-284 beyond the postextubation period were included. We found a statistically significant difference in Edi peak (mean difference -1.4% CI: -2.4 to -0.4, p = 0.010) but no significant difference in Edi minimum (-0.1, 95% CI: -0.2 to 0.1, p = 0.521) comparing NIV NAVA to CPAP. Among the 10 secondary outcomes, the respiratory rate was significantly lower on NIV NAVA (-4, 95% CI: -6 to -1, p = 0.013) and there were slightly larger clinical distress scores on CPAP. While almost all parents reported that their child seemed comfortable, not all found the infant's breathing effortless.
Conclusion:
Edi peak was significantly lower in preterm infants during NIV NAVA versus CPAP.
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