High Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Bubble Nasal CPAP for the Treatment of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn in Infants ≥ 35 Weeks Gestation

High Flow Nasal Cannula Versus Bubble Nasal CPAP for the Treatment of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn in Infants ≥ 35 Weeks Gestation

High Flow Nasal Cannula vs Bubble Nasal CPAP for the Treatment of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn in Infants ≥ 35 Weeks Gestation

The primary objective is to determine whether High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC) is a superior respiratory modality for neonates ≥36 weeks with transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) when compared to the standard of care modality (NCPAP).

Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn, fetal lung fluid retention causing poor lung compliance and atelectasis, is a common entity in neonates ≥ 36 weeks in our unit. Currently our standard of care includes using the respiratory modality of bubble nasal continuous positive airway pressure (BNCPAP) to support these neonates during this illness. BNCPAP provides positive distending pressure to recruit alveoli and prevent atelectasis, however, it is associated with air leak (pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum), nasal irritation and necrosis, and intolerance. HFNC is another respiratory modality that uses high flow gas that also provides positive distending pressure and thus prevents atelectasis. This modality does not cause nasal irritation or necrosis and has a minimal risk of air leak. We postulate that HFNC is a superior modality to BNCPAP in treating neonates ≥ 36 weeks with TTN. This will be determined by comparing the duration of respiratory support (in hours) for newborns ≥ 36 weeks gestation with a diagnosis to TTN randomized to receive either NCPAP or HFNC for respiratory care.

transient tachypnea of the newborn, high flow nasal cannula, bubble nasal, continuous positive airway pressure

Unlike the nasal prongs for NCPAP (which fit tightly in the nares), the nasal cannula for HFNC have smaller, loose-fitting prong. With HFNC, positive airway pressure is achieved by high gas flow through the cannula into the external nares which provide resistance to expiration and facilitate inspiration. The distending pressure is determined by the size and structure of the nasal cannula, gas flow rate, and the neonate's airway anatomy 4,5,7. Newborns randomized to HFNC will be started on a flow rate of 4L/min and supplemental oxygen will be provided to maintain oxygen saturations between 88-93% (experimental group). Once initiated, the gas flow rate will be titrated as needed by the attending neonatologist to ameliorate signs of respiratory distress to a maximum flow rate of 6L/min. The nasal cannula size (0.2 cm or 0.3 mm outer diameter) will determined by the caliber of the subject's nares).

NCPAP provides continuous distending airway pressure during inspiration and expiration via nasal prongs; this has been shown to increase lung volume by increasing alveolar size, recruiting collapsed alveoli, and preventing atelectasis. Improved lung volumes decrease V/Q mismatch and improve the clinical course of neonates with RDS, and as such, early NCPAP use often avoids the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Newborns receiving bubble NCPAP will be placed on a PEEP 5cm H2O, and supplemental oxygen will be provided to maintain oxygen saturation between 88-93% (standard of care group) as is standard practice. The size of the nasal prongs used will be based on the subject's weight as per the manufacturer instructions.

Humidified high flow nasal cannula (HFNC) has emerged as an alternative respiratory modality for late preterm newborns with respiratory distress. Like NCPAP, oxygen is delivered to the infant via nasal prongs and provides a continuous distending pressure. Unlike the nasal prongs for NCPAP (which fit tightly in the nares), the nasal cannula for HFNC have smaller, loose-fitting prong. With HFNC, positive airway pressure is achieved by high gas flow through the cannula into the external nares which provide resistance to expiration and facilitate inspiration. The distending pressure is determined by the size and structure of the nasal cannula, gas flow rate, and the neonate's airway anatomy 4,5,7.

NCPAP provides continuous distending airway pressure during inspiration and expiration via nasal prongs; this has been shown to increase lung volume by increasing alveolar size, recruiting collapsed alveoli, and preventing atelectasis. Improved lung volumes decrease V/Q mismatch and improve the clinical course of neonates with RDS, and as such, early NCPAP use often avoids the need for intubation and mechanical ventilation. Newborns receiving bubble NCPAP will be placed on a PEEP 5cm H2O, and supplemental oxygen will be provided to maintain oxygen saturation between 88-93% (standard of care group) as is standard practice. The size of the nasal prongs used will be based on the subject's weight as per the manufacturer instructions.

Inclusion Criteria: gestational age ≥ 35 weeks diagnosis of TTN, defined as respiratory rate >60, presence of subcostal and /or intercostal retractions, nasal flaring, grunting, oxygen saturations 70-93% on room air, and radiological evidence of perihilar streaking and patchy infiltrates admission to the NICU at Mount Sinai hospital within first 24 hours of life Exclusion Criteria: gestational age < 35 weeks history of thick meconium stained fluid and/or diagnosis of meconium aspiration syndrome diagnosis of major congenital pulmonary or cardiac anomalies initial CXR demonstrating air leak respiratory distress first occurring after 24 hours of life presumptive diagnosis of RDS as indicated by the need for FiO2 > 40%, severe retractions and grunting with poor air entry, and diffuse alveolar consolidation on chest radiograph

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