Sustained Lung Inflation in Preterm Infants

Effect of Application of Sustained Lung Inflation on the Respiratory Outcome of Preterm Infants With Respiratory Distress Syndrome

This is a randomized controlled study to investigate the effect of application of sustained lung inflation (SLI) at birth on the respiratory outcome of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.

Enrolled infants (n=160) were randomized before birth into 2 groups (intervention and control group) in a ratio 1:1. Randomization was done through an online randomizer (www.graphpad.com), and sealed envelopes were used to assign the infant to one of the two groups.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Gestational age ≥ 27 weeks and ≤ 32 weeks
• Appropriate for gestational age
• Weight >800 grams

Exclusion Criteria:

• Major congenital anomalies (congenital heart, cerebral, lung or abdominal malformations)
• Fetal hydrops