Respiratory Transition Without Continuous Positive Airway Pressure

Respiratory Transition Without Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Term Infants With Mild Respiratory Distress: A Pilot Study

The primary aim of this research project is to determine if term neonates (37:0 to 41:6 weeks' gestational age) with mild respiratory distress can safely transition without continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). The secondary aim is to determine the incidence of pneumothorax (PTX) for all term neonates assessed to have mild respiratory distress in the delivery room (DR).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Full term infants (37 weeks + 0days to 41 weeks +6days gestational age)
• Born via scheduled c-sections without labor
• Who develop mild respiratory distress, defined as nasal flaring or, intermittent grunting, and/or mild retractions and/or +/- mild tachypnea ( respiratory rate 61-90).

Exclusion Criteria:

• Moderate to severe respiratory distress (continuous grunting, or moderate retractions or respiratory rate greater than 90 breaths per minute),
• need for positive pressure ventilation (PPV) or advanced resuscitation in the first 5 minutes of life,
• meconium stained amniotic fluid,
• major congenital anomalies or chromosomal abnormalities.