Resuscitation Therapy

While most babies born at term manage transition without significant medical intervention, approximately 10% may require assistance to begin breathing at birth and less than 1% require advanced neonatal resuscitation interventions.^1-4

T-piece resuscitators are typically gas powered and capable of delivering a preset, consistent, and controlled peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP). Some international neonatal resuscitation guidelines, such as the ANZCOR guideline, recommend primary use of T-piece resuscitators, based on consensus opinion.⁵ 

How does T-piece resuscitation work?

T-piece resuscitation delivers consistent and controlled PIP and PEEP, helping to protect the lungs from injury and also establish and maintain functional residual capacity (FRC). FRC is the volume of air that remains in the lungs following a typical expiratory phase. This volume is important for keeping the lungs open post-exhalation and for ensuring adequate pulmonary gas exchange.⁶ 

Heated and humidified T-piece resuscitation is a method of delivering warm, humidified gas to an infant during resuscitation at birth. Its use, when compared to neonatal resuscitation with cold and dry gas, is associated with a higher rate of normothermia (rectal temperature between 36.5°C - 37.5°C) on admission to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).^7-9  

Key mechanisms and benefits of T-piece resuscitation include the following: