Evaluating peak inspiratory pressures and tidal volume in premature neonates on NAVA ventilation.

Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) ventilation allows patients to determine their peak inspiratory pressure and tidal volume on a breath-by-breath basis. Apprehension exists about premature neonates' ability to self-regulate breath size. This study describes peak pressure and tidal volume distribution of neonates on NAVA and non-invasive NAVA.

Effects of Changes in Apnea Time on the Clinical Status of Neonates on NIV-NAVA.

Background: Apnea time allows the clinician to set a minimum spontaneous respiratory frequency when using noninvasive neurally-adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA). Short apnea times may provide backup ventilation during periods of physiologic variability causing overventilation and suppression of spontaneous respiratory drive. Longer apnea times may allow more spontaneous ventilation but can result in insufficient respiratory support.

Neonatal Resuscitation Program Rolling Refresher: Maintaining Chest Compression Proficiency Through the Use of Simulation-Based Education.

Background: Structured training courses have shown to improve patient outcomes; however, guidelines are inconsistently applied in up to 50% of all neonatal resuscitations. This is partly due to the fact that psychomotor skills needed for resuscitation decay within 6 months to a year from the completion of a certification course. Currently, there are no recommendations on how often refresher training should occur to prevent skill decay.

Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist for Noninvasive Support in Neonates.

Noninvasive ventilation (NIV) is frequently used in the NICU to avoid intubation or as postextubation support for spontaneously breathing infants experiencing respiratory distress. Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) is used as a mode of noninvasive support in which both the timing and degree of ventilatory assist are controlled by the patient. NIV-NAVA has been successfully used clinically in neonates as a mode of ventilation to prevent intubation, allow early extubation, and as a novel way to deliver nasal continuous positive airway pressure.

Evaluating the Effect of Flow and Interface Type on Pressures Delivered With Bubble CPAP in a Simulated Model.

Background: Bubble CPAP, used for spontaneously breathing infants to avoid intubation or postextubation support, can be delivered with different interface types. This study compared the effect that interfaces had on CPAP delivery. We hypothesized that there would be no difference between set and measured levels between interface types.

Neonatal respiratory therapist-led rounds can improve staff satisfaction and timeliness of respiratory interventions.

Background: Interdisciplinary rounding is used to establish and communicate patient care goals and monitor progress toward goal attainment. This study describes staff satisfaction and process outcomes associated with respiratory therapist (RT)-led interdisciplinary rounds in the neonatal ICU. We hypothesized improved staff satisfaction, execution of orders within 30 min of order entry into the electronic medical record, and communication of accurate and complete data during rounds to the interdisciplinary team.

Standardizing documentation and the clinical approach to apnea of prematurity reduces length of stay, improves staff satisfaction, and decreases hospital cost.

Background: Apnea of prematurity, a common disorder, can severely compromise an infant's condition unless correctly diagnosed and treated. Infants with a history of apnea of prematurity can be discharged home but then be rehospitalized for an apneic event, an apparent life-threatening event, or sudden infant death syndrome. The definition of a clinically significant cardiopulmonary event, such events' documentation, and the treatment approach were standardized, and discharge criteria were refined.