Reliability of respiratory function monitor interpretation for neonatal resuscitation

A respiratory function monitor (RFM) is a potential tool to enhance the quality of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) inflations in the delivery room.1 The RFM calculates, displays and records data about tidal volumes, mask leak, airway obstruction and presence of spontaneous breathing. Although visual interpretation of respiratory signals is integral to this methodology, the reliability of these assessments is unknown. The study objectives were to determine the intrarater and inter-rater reliability of RFM signal interpretation. This was an observational study of RFM files recorded during PPV resuscitation of preterm infants using the NewLife Box RFM (Advanced Life Diagnostics, Weener, Germany). Four raters reviewed 16 RFM recordings twice using Pulmochart (Advanced Life Diagnostics) software. Raters manually confirmed or adjusted automated triggers indicating start and end of each inflation. Pressure and flow waveform patterns were assessed to characterise each inflation as follows: PPV inflation without a coinciding spontaneous breath...
Source: Archives of Disease in Childhood - Fetal and Neonatal Edition - Category: Perinatology & Neonatology Authors: Tags: PostScript Source Type: research