Respiratory function monitor guidance of mask ventilation in the delivery room: a feasibility study

To investigate whether using a respiratory function monitor (RFM) during mask resuscitation of preterm infants reduces face mask leak and improves tidal volume (V(T)). STUDY DESIGN: Infants receiving mask resuscitation were randomized to have the display of an RFM (airway pressure, flow, and V(T) waves) either visible or masked. RESULT: Twenty-six infants had the RFM visible, and 23 had the RFM masked. The median mask leak was 37 (IQR, 21 -54 ) in the visible RFM group and 54 (IQR, 37 -82 ) in the masked RFM group (P = .01). Mask repositioning was done in 19 infants (73 ) of the visible group and in 6 infants (26 ) of the masked group (P = .001). The median expired V(T) was similar in the 2 groups. Oxygen was provided to 61 of the visible RFM group and 87 of the RFM masked group (P = .044). Continuous positive airway pressure use was greater in the visible RFM group (73 vs 43 ; P = .035). Intubation in the delivery room was done in 21 of the visible group and in 57 of the masked group (P = .035). CONCLUSION: Using an RFM was associated with significantly less mask leak, more mask adjustments, and a lower rate of excessive V(T).