CPAP therapy is a well-established mode of noninvasive respiratory support for spontaneously breathing patients.
Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews have evaluated the use of CPAP as primary and postextubation respiratory support for premature and low-birth-weight neonates with RDS, in both in the acute and recovery phases of this condition. 3,5,6
In premature infants, RDS is the most common respiratory condition that CPAP has been used for since the 1970s.18,19 Several studies, which include randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews, have evaluated the use of CPAP as a mode of respiratory support in preterm neonates and infants with RDS. This research shows that CPAP is an effective mode of respiratory support for neonates with RDS.3,13,20-22
During CPAP therapy, continuous distending pressure is generated throughout the respiratory cycle, and a heated and humidified mixture of air and oxygen is delivered. Heated and humidified gas is an important aspect of delivering CPAP therapy, assisting with the natural defense mechanisms, maintaining airway mucosa and mucociliary function and promoting conservation of energy for growth and development.23,24