Higher CPAP levels improve functional residual capacity at birth in preterm rabbits

CONCLUSION: In all, 15 cm H2O of CPAP improved lung aeration and reduced apnoea, but did not increase the risk of lung over-expansion, pneumothorax or CPAP belly immediately after birth. FRC and breathing rates were maintained when CPAP was decreased to 8 cm H2O.IMPACT: Although preterm infants are commonly supported with 4-8 cm H2O CPAP at birth, preclinical studies have shown that higher PEEP levels improve lung aeration. In this study, CPAP levels of 15 cm H2O improved lung aeration and reduced apnoea in preterm rabbit kittens immediately after birth. In all, 15 cm H2O CPAP did not increase the risk of lung over-expansion (indicated by bulging between the ribs), pneumothorax, or CPAP belly. These results can be used when designing future studies on CPAP strategies for preterm infants in the delivery room.PMID:34294868 | DOI:10.1038/s41390-021-01647-8

Source: Pediatric Research - July 23, 2021 Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tessa Martherus Michelle K Croughan Kelly J Crossley Megan J Wallace Erin V McGillick Marta Thio Charles C Roehr James T Pearson Katie Lee Gary Ruben Marcus J Kitchen Arjan B Te Pas Stuart B Hooper Source Type: research