In this clinical trial the Investigators aimed to assess the Adrenomedullin (AM) release in urine and plasma in preterm infants undergoing Sustained Inflation or Positive Pressure Ventilation at birth to manage respiratory failure.

Background and objectives: The respiratory management in the DR may play an important role in the development and prevention of lung injury. The sustained lung inflation (SI) is a promising approach to facilitate cardio-respiratory transition, but currently, although it has been shown to decrease the duration of MV, seems not to guarantee relevant benefits compared to Positive Pressure Ventilation (PPV). In order to clarify the impact of these two different approaches on lung tissues, this study measures Adrenomedullin (AM), which is a biomarker involved in lung development.

Methods: we conducted a prospective case control-study in a cohort of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (< 1500 g) of 28+0-30+6 weeks of gestational age (GA), who received SI or PPV during stabilization in DR.

Exclusion criteria were major malformations (i.e. congenital heart disease, cerebral, lung and abdominal malformations), fetal hydrops, lack of parental consent and need for endotracheal intubation at birth.

Blood samples for AM measurement were collected at birth from the arterial umbilical cord before resuscitation maneuvers, then at 1 hour from birth and at 24 hours from birth. Moreover, urine samples were collected, in correspondence with the first urine emission while in NICU and at 24 hours of life.

Inclusion Criteria:

• gestational age between 28+0 and 30+6
• need for respiratory support in the delivery room

Exclusion Criteria:

• major malformations (i.e. congenital heart disease, cerebral, lung and abdominal malformations)
• fetal hydrops
• lack of parental consent.
• Need for endotracheal intubation at birth