Tansen

Breathing problems are a major cause of illness and death among newborns worldwide, especially in low-resource countries like Nigeria and Nepal where over 99% of newborn deaths occur. This research evaluates the use of a low-cost breathing support device called the Neovent, which provides nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) to newborns with mild to moderate respiratory distress. The study aims to show that healthcare providers in low-resource nurseries can safely and effectively use the Neovent without causing more complications than standard care using bubble continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Newborns up to 28 days old with mild to moderate breathing trouble will be placed on the Neovent device for six hours in hospitals in Nigeria and Nepal. During this time, nurses and physicians will set up, operate, and monitor the device, checking for any nasal irritation, nosebleeds, abdominal swelling, or air leaks around the lungs (pneumothorax). The device is non-electric and designed to be simple to use, aiming to provide the benefits of more expensive machines at a lower cost and with easier operation. Participants will be closely monitored for safety during the six-hour treatment period. Doctors will confirm proper device setup within one hour, and nurses will record oxygen levels, breathing rate, heart rate, and clinical scores hourly for six hours. The study will assess the feasibility of using the Neovent in low-resource settings and compare complication rates to those seen with bubble CPAP. A total of 70 newborns will be enrolled, and the findings will help determine whether larger trials are justified to test the device's effectiveness.