Abstract
Background: Preterm infants frequently receive support with nasal continuous positive airways pressure (NCPAP) via nasal prongs or a nasal mask. While both prongs and masks may cause trauma to the nose, it is not clear which is more effective.
Objective: To compare the effectiveness of NCPAP given via prongs and mask to preterm infants. We hypothesise that the use of prongs compared to masks will reduce the rate of intubation and ventilation within 72 hours of starting NCPAP.
Methods: Infants < 30 weeks gestation receiving NCPAP with the Infant Flow Driver or SiPAP system (Viasys, USA) are randomised to either prongs or mask. Infants are block randomised stratified for gestational age (< 28 weeks, 28-30 weeks); and according to whether NCPAP was started as a primary treatment for respiratory distress or postextubation. Infants are intubated and ventilated if they reach pre-determined criteria for respiratory failure (2 or more of worsening distress; FiO2 > 0.4; pH < 7.2; PaCO2 > 9 kPa; recurrent apnoea) < 72 hours after commencing NCPAP. All other aspects of treatment are the same between the groups. Relevant secondary outcomes are recorded.
Results: Since enrolment began (02/08/2009) 64 infants have been recruited and had the primary outcome determined. We expect that the primary outcome will be determinable for the total sample (120 infants) by early October 2010.
Conclusion: This randomised controlled trial will provide valuable information about the optimal interface to use when giving NCPAP to preterm infants.
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Kieran, E., Molloy, E., Twomey, A. et al. 344 Prongs or Mask for Nasal Continuous Positive Airways Pressure in Preterm Infants (The Pom Trial): A Randomised Trial. Pediatr Res 68 (Suppl 1), 178 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00344
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-201011001-00344