Comparison between non-invasive ventilatory support nasal CPAP versus high-flow nasal cannula in neonates with respiratory distress syndrome A single-center observational study.

Abstract

Introduction: Respiratory Distress Syndrome in neonates is an acute respiratory condition that frequently affects premature and preterm newborns, with an increase in severity as the gestational age decreases. Currently there are treatment alternatives with Nasal CPAP and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as primary options. Objective: To compare non-invasive nasal CPAP ventilatory support with high-flow nasal cannula as a method of initial non-invasive ventilatory support in premature neonates with respiratory distress syndrome at the Guasmo Sur General Hospital treated in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Methodology: Analytical study with a quantitative, cross-sectional and retrospective approach, which analyzed the medical records of 162 neonatal patients treated at the Guasmo Sur General Hospital in the period 2017-2019.

Results: Complications among patients in the proposed sample were evaluated; the most frequent were abdominal distension and nasal injuries, accounting for 27.8% (n = 45) and 27%, respectively. 2% (n=44) of the sample experienced minor complications, whereas more serious complications, such as pneumothorax, occurred in 2.5% (n=4). It is important to emphasize that 42.6% of the cases did not develop complications associated with ventilation (n=69).

Conclusions: The type of ventilatory support is directly associated with the control of PaO2/FiO2 in premature patients with Respiratory Distress Syndrome, with CPAP being the one with the most tremendous increase in the levels of this parameter, while the use of HFNC is associated to a lower number of complications in premature patients with Respiratory Distress Syndrome.