Respiratory Care of the Newborn: A Practical Approach, 24th Annual Course

The use of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as the initial mode of respiratory support in critically ill very low birth weight infants is associated with a lower incidence of chronic lung disease. Evidence also supports the role of nasal CPAP in facilitating weaning from mechanical ventilation and reducing lung injury. However, nasal CPAP success rates are widely variable and may be attributable to how well it is utilized. With recent renewed interest in bubble nasal CPAP, it is essential to evaluate strategies for success that may depend on the using correct CPAP devices, attention to detail and caregiver experience. This unique program will share successful bubble nasal CPAP experience at the Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital of New York, Columbia University Medical Center and discuss rationale, practical aspects and strategies for replicating success with bubble CPAP use. These management protocols have been practiced successfully for forty years and have been shown to reduce chronic lung disease without increasing morbidity and mortality.