Duration of noninvasive respiratory support in preterm infants: Association with gestational age and risk factors for delayed weaning.

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the association between gestational age (GA) and postmenstrual age (PMA) at successful noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) -which includes noninvasive ventilation with neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA), nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), and high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC)- weaning and to identify the risk factors affecting PMA at successful NRS weaning.

STUDY

DESIGN

This retrospective cohort study included 449 preterm infants born before 32 weeks' GA who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit between 2015 and 2023.

RESULTS

The median PMA at successful weaning was 36.0 weeks. PMA at successful weaning was negatively correlated with GA. Only a small number of infants with earlier GA achieved successful weaning before 36 weeks of PMA. Earlier GA, small for GA, bubbly/cystic appearance on X-rays, and bowel perforation with ileostomy were identified as risk factors for delayed weaning.

CONCLUSION

Clinical interventions should consider these risks to optimize weaning outcomes.