This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial done in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm newborns with RDS were randomized to receive oxygen therapy through bubble CPAP vs ventilator-derived CPAP. Differences in arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, number of surfactant and CPAP failure rate between study groups were analyzed.

Background and Objective: Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) among premature infants is one of the major causes of neonatal death. The use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has become a standard of care for preterm newborns with RDS. In countries faced with the challenge of improving neonatal care, cost-effective innovations for respiratory support are a promising intervention. This study determined the efficacy of a low-cost bubble CPAP as an alternative non-invasive oxygen therapy for newborn infants with RDS.

METHODS: This is a single-blind randomized controlled trial done in a Level III neonatal intensive care unit. Preterm newborns with RDS were randomized to receive oxygen therapy through bubble CPAP vs ventilator-derived CPAP. Differences in arterial blood gases, oxygen saturation, number of surfactant and CPAP failure rate between study groups were analyzed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Included are preterm neonates less than 36 weeks (WHO definition)
• admitted at NICU
• APGAR scores of > 7 in the 1st and 5th minute of life
• in respiratory distress at birth,
• radiologic findings of RDS
• Respiratory Severity Score (RSS) or Downe's score > 4 at 10-15 minutes after hooking to CPAP
• requiring CPAP or more than 40% FiO2

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants requiring neonatal resuscitation such as bag mask ventilation, chest compression or intubation at birth
• with comorbidities such as facial anomalies, tracheoesophageal fistulas, congenital heart disease, and other congenital anomalies which may interfere with the interface of both devices.

The study Blinded the investigator and outcome assesors