CPAP Beats High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy for Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants

Rates of treatment failure were higher with HFNC in a randomized, controlled trial of moderately preterm babies with respiratory distress.

Whether high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is an effective and safe means of support for early respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants has been an ongoing clinical question. Investigators in Australia conducted a randomized, controlled noninferiority trial involving 754 moderately preterm infants (mean gestational age, 36.9 weeks; mean birth weight, 2909 grams) at nine nontertiary neonatal centers (equivalent to level 2 neonatal intensive care units [NICUs]). Infants received respiratory support with either continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP; 6–8 cm of water pressure) or HFNC (6–8 liters of gas per minute) within the first 24 hours of life. Criteria for treatment failure were oxygen requirement >40%, increasing CO₂ level…

Reviewing Author

Robin H. Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

Robin H. Steinhorn, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardActelion Pharmaceuticals

Editorial BoardsJournal of Pediatrics

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesAmerican Pediatric Society (President); American Board of Pediatrics (Board of Directors)

CPAP Beats High-Flow Nasal Cannula Therapy for Respiratory Support in Preterm Infants

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Reviewing Author