Non-invasive high-frequency ventilation in newborn infants with respiratory distress

To determine effects of non-invasive high-frequency ventilation compared with other forms of respiratory support in newborn infants with respiratory distress in terms of need for intubation or reintubation and morbidity and mortality in term and preterm newborn infants.

We will examine use of nHFV in the following situations.

  • Initial respiratory support compared with other forms of invasive respiratory support (intubation and any ventilation mode).
  • Initial respiratory support compared with other forms of non-invasive respiratory support (CPAP, nIPPV, HFNC) or air/oxygen.
  • An alternative to invasive endotracheal intubation for ventilation following failure of other types of non-invasive respiratory support (CPAP, nIPPV, HFNC) in newborn infants with respiratory distress.
  • An alternative to other forms of non-invasive respiratory support (nCPAP, nIPPV, HFNC) or air/oxygen following extubation.

We will include any interface used to deliver nHFV, including unilateral/bilateral and short/long nasal prongs, nasopharyngeal tube, face mask, and laryngeal mask airway.

Air/oxygen may involve low-flow nasal prongs, a head box, or humidicrib oxygen delivery methods.

This is a protocol.