Comparing the effect of two different interfaces on breathing of preterm infants at birth: A matched-pairs analysis

Kristel L.A.M. Kuypers, Tereza Lamberska, Tessa Martherus, Janneke Dekker, Stefan Böhringer, Stuart B. Hooper, Richard Plavka, Arjan B. te Pas

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11 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objective: Applying a face mask could provoke a trigeminocardiac reflex. We compared the effect of applying bi-nasal prongs with a face mask on breathing and heart rate of preterm infants at birth. Methods: In a retrospective matched-pairs study of infants <32 weeks of gestation, the use of bi-nasal prongs for respiratory support at birth was compared to the use of a face mask. Infants who were initially breathing at birth and subsequently received respiratory support were matched for gestational age (±4 days), birth weight (±300 g), general anaesthesia and gender. Breathing, heart rate and other parameters were collected before and after interface application and in the first 5 min thereafter. Results: In total, 130 infants were included (n = 65 bi-nasal prongs, n = 65 face mask) with a median (IQR) gestational age of 27+2 (25+3–28+4) vs 26+6 (25+3–28+5) weeks. The proportion of infants who stopped breathing after applying the interface was not different between the groups (bi-nasal prongs 43/65 (66%) vs face mask 46/65 (71%), p = 0.70). Positive pressure ventilation was given more often when bi-nasal prongs were used (55/65 (85%) vs 40/65 (62%), p < 0.001). Heart rate (101 (75–145) vs 110 (68–149) bpm, p = 0.496) and oxygen saturation (59% (48–87) vs 56% (35–84), p = 0.178) were similar in the first 5 min after an interface was applied in the infants who stopped breathing. Conclusion: Apnoea and bradycardia occurred often after applying either bi-nasal prongs or a face mask on the face for respiratory support in preterm infants at birth.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)60-66
Number of pages7
JournalResuscitation
Volume157
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2020

Keywords

  • Bi-nasal prongs
  • Breathing
  • Face mask
  • Preterm infants
  • Respiratory support
  • Trigeminocardiac reflex

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