Use of CO2 Detectors to Help Provide Effective Breaths During Resuscitation of Preterm Newborns

The Utility of Qualitative End Tidal CO2 Detector in Providing Effective Ventilation During Resuscitation of Preterm Newborns: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Effective ventilation is the single most vital intervention to improve outcome of resuscitation in the neonatal population. Assessments of effective ventilations are based on clinical parameters, but may be difficult due to inexperienced personnel as well as observer variability. End tidal CO2 detectors (ETCO2) have been shown to improve effective ventilation in manikin model as well as in video recordings of selective infants where obstructive breaths were recognized objectively by means of lack of colour change.

This is a trial evaluating the use of a qualitative end tidal CO2 monitor device during mask ventilation in the delivery room. The investigators hypothesize that using a colorimetric carbon dioxide detector during mask ventilation, it could facilitate recognition of obstructed breaths and reduce the duration of bradycardia and desaturations.

Inclusion Criteria:

Preterm infants 24+0/7 to 32+0/7 weeks who require mask ventilation during resuscitation

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Infants with impaired pulmonary circulation (eg. Cardiac arrest, pulmonary atresia, severe pulmonary stenosis
2. Infants with congenital airway anomalies