Effect of Right Lateral Position on Ventilated Preterm Neonates

Effect of Right Lateral Position With Head Elevation on Tracheal Aspirate Pepsin in Ventilated Preterm Neonates: Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective: to evaluate the effect of right lateral positioning in comparison with supine positioning on tracheal aspirate pepsin levels as a marker of aspiration of gastric contents in ventilated preterm neonates. Study design: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 ventilated preterm neonates < 35 weeks. They were randomized into 2 groups; one group composed of 30 neonates that were nursed in right lateral position for 6 hours while the other group composed of 30 neonates that were nursed in supine position for 6 hours. Tracheal aspirate sample was obtained from each neonate in both groups just after the end of 6 hours and pepsin level was measured.

Objective: to evaluate the effect of right lateral positioning in comparison with supine positioning on tracheal aspirate pepsin levels as a marker of aspiration of gastric contents in ventilated preterm neonates. Study design: This randomized controlled trial was conducted on 60 ventilated preterm neonates < 35 weeks. They were randomized into 2 groups; one group composed of 30 neonates that were nursed in right lateral position for 6 hours while the other group composed of 30 neonates that were nursed in supine position for 6 hours. Tracheal aspirate sample was obtained from each neonate in both groups just after the end of 6 hours and pepsin level was measured. Ventilatory settings were observed before and during the intervention and neonates were followed up for development of bronchopulmpnary dysplasia (BPD).

Neonates kept in the right lateral position for 6 hours with head tilted 30 degree upward with rolled towel supports the infant back at 90 degree angle on the bed.

Neonates kept in supine position for 6 hours with head tilted 30 degrees upward. Infants were fed while in their positions via feeding tube.

Tracheal aspirate sample was obtained from each neonate in both groups just after the end of 6 hours and pepsin level was measured

Inclusion Criteria: A total of 60 preterm neonates < 35 weeks gestational age were enrolled in the study, Inclusion criteria were tracheal intubated mechanically ventilated neonates for more than 72 hours, feeding >30ml/kg/day via nasogastric tube. Exclusion Criteria: Neonates with perinatal asphyxia, intracranial hemorrhage grade 3 or 4, periventricular leukomalacia, major congenital anomalies, gastrointestinal anomalies such as tracheoesophageal fistula, or necrotizing enterocolitis , receiving xanthine derivatives, H2 blockers, prokinetics, proton pump inhibitors or sedatives were excluded.