Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist for Neonates With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias
Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist for Neonates With Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias (CDH) are typically repaired surgically in the first few days of a neonate's life. Following surgical repair, infants usually require ventilatory support to ensure adequate oxygenation. Traditionally assist control ventilation (ACV) has been used to support neonates with CDH. Due to delivering a fixed pressure of oxygen, ACV has been associated with barotrauma and long-term lung damage. A more recent approach to ventilation is non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA). NIV-NAVA uses electrical signals of the diaphragm to deliver a proportional pressure of oxygen. Our dual-centre randomised cross-over trial aims to investigate the efficacy of NIV-NAVA compared to ACV for supporting neonates with CDH.
Background:
Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernias (CDH) are typically repaired surgically in the first few days of a neonate's life. Following surgical repair, infants usually require ventilatory support to ensure adequate oxygenation. Traditionally assist control ventilation (ACV) has been used to support neonates with CDH. Due to delivering a fixed pressure of oxygen, ACV has been associated with barotrauma and long-term lung damage. A more recent approach to ventilation is non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA). NIV-NAVA uses electrical signals of the diaphragm to deliver a proportional pressure of oxygen. Evidence suggests that NAVA may reduce physiological parameters associated with lung pressure and hence reduce the risk of iatrogenic lung injury.
Aims:
Our aim is to compare the oxygenation index (OI) of neonates with CDH, ventilated with ACV and NIV-NAVA. The OI is calculated as the fractured of inspired oxygen x mean airway pressure x partial pressure of oxygen/100. The oxygenation index is used as a marker of hypoxic respiratory failure in infants with CDH and forms the basis of the criteria to administer nitric oxide.
Methods:
Our investigation is a dual-centre randomised cross-over trial. Infants will be identified and parents counselled in the first few days following delivery. Neonates that meet inclusion criteria will be randomised to receive either NIV-NAVA or ACV first, followed by the other method of ventilation. Infants will be stabilised on ACV one-hour prior to entering the trial. On entry into the trial, they will receive 4-hours of each ventilatory method with a 20-minute stabilisation break in between.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria: