Advances in management of noninvasive ventilation for preterm infants.

Abstract

Providing most appropriate noninvasive ventilation (NIV) for preterm infants remains priority in neonatal intensive care units. Several newer modes of ventilation have evolved including continuous positive airway pressure, nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation and noninvasive high frequency ventilation to meet patients' demands. Advanced level of monitoring is performed while patients are receiving NIV for optimization of the respiratory support. Point of care lung ultrasound and electrical impedance tomography are the newer tools that give insights towards aeration of the lungs. Pulmonary near infrared spectroscopy, electromyography of the diaphragm and advanced techniques of noninvasive pulmonary function testing provide data focusing on the performance of lungs. The hybrid modalities of ventilators used often in adults are needed in neonates to provide on demand individualized level of noninvasive respiratory support. Automated oxygen adjustment, inhaled nitric oxide and heliox can be benefcial when successfully provided through NIV. Delivery room NIV has a strong potential to improve neonatal outcomes. Further research should be focused taking into consideration physiologic needs and applying customized approach to meet patient's demands. Artificial intelligence leading to precision treatment is the way forward for providing individualized respiratory support for newborn infants.