Effect of Varying Levels of PEEP on Preterm Lung Recruitment Using Electrical Impedance Tomography - Feasibility Study

What this Trial Is About

Premature babies born before 32 weeks often face lung problems because their lungs are not fully developed. This can cause the lungs to collapse between breaths, making breathing difficult. To help, gentle pressure called PEEP/CPAP is applied using nasal devices or breathing machines to keep the lungs open. This study is evaluating the effects of different PEEP/CPAP pressure levels on lung support in premature infants using a new imaging method called Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT). The study involves preterm infants under 32 weeks of gestational age who are receiving either CPAP or mechanical ventilation support. The research team will use EIT to continuously monitor lung function while adjusting PEEP/CPAP pressures between 4 and 10 cm H2O. This method allows doctors to see how well the lungs are kept open without exposing babies to radiation. The study is designed as a single arm trial where PEEP levels will be increased and decreased to observe lung response. Participants will be monitored during a 280-minute study period where changes in lung function and lung recruitment will be measured by EIT. The study will take place within the first two weeks of the infant's life to avoid complications from lung injury. Researchers will collect data to understand how varying pressure levels affect lung support and help improve breathing management in premature infants. Safety and skin integrity will also be closely monitored during the study.

PEEP FOR LUNG RECRUITMENT IN PRETERM INFANTS-EIT STUDY