Study on therapeutic effectiveness of continuous positive airway pressure compared to mechanical ventilation in preterm babies with respiratory distress

Background: Previously mechanical ventilation was primary modality of treatment in preterm neonates with respiratory distress. With the introduction of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), the need of mechanical ventilation is reduced. The present study was done to know the therapeutic effects of CPAP as compared to mechanical ventilation in preterm neonates with respiratory distress. To study the duration of oxygen requirement and duration of hospitalisation in preterm neonates treated with CPAP compared to invasive mechanical ventilationMethods: Hospital based prospective study was conducted from November 2013 to November 2014 in Dr. B. R. Ambedkar medical college, Bangalore. All the preterm babies admitted in neonatal intensive care unit with respiratory distress requiring CPAP or mechanical ventilation during study period were included. Total 50 cases were included, out of which 20 (40%) were on CPAP treatment and 30 (60%) were on mechanical ventilation. Outcome was assessed by reduction of respiratory distress with SpO2 more than 88% with FiO2 of 21%.Results: Out of 50 preterm neonates studied, 20 (40%) were on CPAP treatment and 30 (60%) were on mechanical ventilation. Mean duration of oxygen treatment was less in neonates on CPAP (4.8±0.9 days) compared to mechanical ventilated neonates (7.12±0.8days) and it is statistically significant (p value<0.05). Mean duration of hospitalisation was less in neonates on CPAP (19.3±0.76 days) compared to mechanical ventilated neonates (21±1.2 days) but it was statistically not significant (P value >0.05).Conclusions: CPAP as a mode of treatment for preterm babies with respiratory distress reduces the duration of oxygen dependency compared to invasive mechanical ventilation. Difference in duration of hospital stay was statistically not significant in these neonates treated with CPAP and mechanical ventilation.