Non-invasive pulmonary ventilation of newborns in CPAP and HFNC mode

Summary

This text is a commentary on the European consensus guidelines on the management respiratory distress syndrome. Respiratory support with continuous positive airway pressure or non-invasive ventilation in combination with an individualized indication for surfactant administration is currently the method of choice for newborns with respiratory distress syndrome. The level of support should be titrated according to the clinical response with respect to the gestational age and the pathophysiology of the respiratory system. Non-invasive ventilation, especially synchronized, has the potential to protect patients from both primary intubation and post-extubation failure. The latest mode of non-invasive ventilation is neurally adjusted ventilatory assist which enables precise synchronization and proportionality of delivered pressures. High-flow nasal cannula is gaining popularity and may be appropriate in the treatment of preterm infants, provided there is an option to escalate treatment.

Keywords:

premature newborn, respiratory distress syndrome, non-invasive ventilation