Popis: |
Abstract Background Current guidelines for management of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) recommend continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) as the primary mode of respiratory support even in the most premature neonates, reserving endotracheal intubation (ETI) for rescue surfactant or respiratory failure. The incidence and timing of ETI in practice is poorly documented. Methods In 27 Level III NICUs in the US (n = 19), Canada (n = 3) and Poland (n = 5), demographics and baseline characteristics, respiratory support modalities including timing of ETI, administration of surfactant and caffeine/other methylxanthines, and neonatal morbidities were prospectively recorded in consecutive preterm neonates following written parental consent. Infants were divided into three groups according to gestational age (GA) at birth, namely 26–28, 29–32 and 33–34 weeks. Statistical comparisons between groups were done using Chi-Square tests. Results Of 2093 neonates (US = 1507, 254 Canada, 332 Poland), 378 (18%) were 26–28 weeks gestational age (GA), 835 (40%) were 29–32 weeks, and 880 (42%) were 33–34 weeks. Antenatal steroid use was 81% overall, and approximately 89% in neonates ≤32 weeks. RDS incidence and use of ventilatory or supplemental oxygen support were similar across all sites. CPAP was initiated in 43% of all infants, being highest in the 29–32-week group, with a lower proportion in other GA categories (p |