Is the mask or nasal tube better as interface during respiratory support of preterm infants at birth?

Randomised controlled trial of interface use during stabilisation of preterm infants in the delivery room.

Hypothesis:

Resuscitation of infants between 24 and 30 weeks gestation is more effective using a nasal tube than a face mask as an interface with the Neopuff Infant Resuscitator (Neopuff) as the manual ventilating device.



Aim:

To compare two resuscitation device interfaces; the nasal tube with a face mask using the Neopuff Infant Resuscitator to stabilise newly born infants between 24 and 30 weeks gestation in the delivery room (DR).



Research plan:

Infants between 24 and 30 completed weeks gestation born at Leiden University Medical Center and requiring positive pressure ventilation in the delivery room will be randomly allocated to either the nasal tube or face mask.



Primary objective:

To determine whether the response to ventilation in the DR using a nasal tube compared to a face mask reduces the risk of lung injury in newly born infants measured by the need for endotracheal intubation in the first 24 hours after birth.

The hypothesis is that using nasal tube as interface during stabilisation of preterm infants at birth is more effective compared to mask.

1. Birth;

2. 24 hours after birth.

During respiratory support mask or nasal tube will be used as interface. National resuscitation guidelines will be followed.