Application of a photoelectric magnifier to nasal injury in preterm infants receiving non-invasive ventilation: A prospective observational study.

PURPOSE: This study was to explore a photoelectric magnifier assessing nasal injury in preterm infants receiving non-invasive ventilation (NIV) treatment, and to describe the occurrence status and risk factors of nasal injuries.

DESIGN

A prospective observational study.

SUBJECTS: and setting: Preterm infants admitted from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University between October 2018 and October 2019.

METHODS

A continuously convenient sample of 127 preterm infants was included. When the infants were receiving NIV treatment, nursing staff checked nasal skin and mucosa daily with a photoelectric magnifier to confirm whether nasal injuries occurred. Meanwhile, a self-designed questionnaire was used to collect data. The Chi-square test, t-test, univariate and multiple logistic regression model were applied.

RESULTS

A total of 127 preterm infants received 175 times NIV therapy, showing that the incidence of nasal injuries (infants number) was 27.6% (35/127) and the incidence of nasal injuries (ventilation cases) was 21.1% (37/175). Of the 37 cases of nasal injuries, 27 cases were I stage, while Ⅱ stage, Ⅲ stage and mucosa injuries appeared 2 cases, 2 cases and 6 cases. In the multivariate logistic analysis, nasal mask interface and NIV treatment more than seven days were independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of nasal injuries.

CONCLUSIONS

The premature infants who received nasal NIV treatment were susceptible to nasal injuries, and clinical nurse capable of identifying risk factors and inintervening should be strengthened to prevent the occurrence and progression.