Efficacy of Nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Delivered by Nasal mask Versus Nasal Prongs in Neonates

Abstract

Introduction: Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the standard therapy for neonatal respiratory distress. It is delivered using nasal mask (NM) or nasal prong (NP), both of which can result in nasal trauma. The type of nasal interface used is an important determinant of nasal injury. The superiority of one over the other is debatable necessitating further research to identify the more efficacious, safe and convenient nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) interface. This study was conducted to compare the efficacy of NM Nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus NP CPAP.

Methods: Sixty neonates < 37 weeks and having respiratory problems were alternately divided into two groups based on the respiratory support provided: Group A (NM CPAP) and Group B (NP CPAP). They were followed up on a daily basis during their NICU stay and placed on regular recall until three months of age. Between-group comparisons were done using Wilcoxon-SignRank Test and Proportion test. P-value ≤ 0.05 indicated statistical significance.

Results: Patients in Group A (NM CPAP) showed significantly less number of days of CPAP therapy (P = 0.0033) and lesser failure rate (P = 0.0198) compared to those in Group B (NP CPAP). Incidence of complications was also lower in Group A than in Group B.

Conclusion: NM CPAP is more efficacious and safer than NP CPAP for the treatment of respiratory problems in neonates.