Comparing Non-Invasive Ventilation Methods for Lung and Brain Health in Preterm Babies Born Before 32 Weeks

What this Trial Is About

Premature infants born before 32 weeks gestation often need breathing support because their lungs are not fully developed. This research compares two non-invasive breathing support methods, Non-Invasive Positive Pressure Ventilation NIPPV and Non-invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist NIV-NAVA, to see how they affect sleep, brain oxygen levels, comfort, and diaphragm function. Researchers aim to find a method that better supports both lung and brain development during this critical period. The study evaluates NIPPV, which provides fixed breaths through a mask or nasal prongs, and NIV-NAVA, which uses a special feeding tube to detect the babys own breathing efforts and provide synchronized support. Participants are preterm neonates born under 32 weeks gestation who have been stable on either NIPPV or NIV-NAVA for at least 24 hours and are at least 3 days old. Each infant will experience both breathing modes in this prospective crossover study. During the study, researchers will monitor uninterrupted sleep-wake cycles over 24 hours after starting each intervention. They will also assess total quiet sleep time, cerebral oxygen saturation, heart rate variability, and diaphragm function using ultrasound measurements. The study aims to capture detailed physiological data to understand how each ventilation mode impacts the infants respiratory and brain health during their neonatal intensive care stay.

Respiratory Support and Brain Health in Preterm Infants