Hyaline membrane disease. Comparison of continuous negative pressure and nasal positive airway pressure in its treatment
G. Alexander, T. Gerhardt and E. Bancalari
The effectiveness of continuous negative pressure (CNP) and nasal
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in the treatment of hyaline
membrane disease and the incidence of complications were compared in 36
preterm infants randomly treated with CNP or nasal CPAP. Both methods of
treatment were effective in increasing PaO2 and allowing a decrease in
inspired O2 concentration. The time required with mechanical assistance and
with an O2 concentration of more than 40% was equal in both groups. In the
CNP group, four infants required mechanical ventilation because of clinical
deterioration whereas in the nasal CPAP group, seven needed this type of
therapy. Three infants in each group had extraalveolar air, and two
patients in each group died. The results suggest that both methods of
applying continuous distending airway pressure are effective. Nasal CPAP
has the advantages of easier application and better access to the infant.
