Low humidification temperature during non-invasive ventilation in late preterm and term neonates: a randomized...

Humidification of respiratory gases is essential and the ideal humidification settings remain unclear.

Infants with gestational age ≥34 weeks admitted to the NICU requiring primary non-invasive respiratory support were enrolled. Study infants were randomized to low humidification temperature versus high humidification temperature groups. Duration of respiratory support was the primary outcome.

A total of 104 neonates were enrolled, with a mean gestation of 36.3 weeks and a mean birth weight of 2581 grams. There was no significant difference in the median duration of respiratory support between groups [22.3 h vs 23 h, difference -1.5 h, 95% CI: -12.0-9.0 h]. Condensation in the inspiratory limb was lesser (13.5% vs 76.0%, RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09-0.36), and water consumption was reduced in the low humidification temperature group (ml/hr; 14.9 ± 5.5 vs 17.2 ± 5.9, mean difference, 2.3 ml/h, 95% CI: 0.06-4.6).

In neonates with gestation ≥34 weeks on non-invasive respiratory support, using lower humidification temperatures did not shorten the duration of respiratory support but decreased circuit condensation and humidifier water consumption.