Comparison of Respiratory Outcome between Sustained Lung Inflation and Intermittent Positive Ventilation in Preterm Infants Requiring Resuscitation at Birth

Background: Sustained lung inflation (SLI) would permit lung recruitment immediately after birth, improving lung mechanics and reducing the need for intubation and subsequent respiratory support in the neonatal intensive care unit among preterm infants. Aim of the Study: To assess the efficacy of initial sustained lung inflation compared to standard intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV) in preterm infants who need resuscitation in delivery room. Methods: This was prospective randomized observational study that was conducted in the delivery room and NICU of A in shames University hospital from February 2019 to September 2019. The study included 115 preterm infants between 26 - 32 weeks of gestation who needed resuscitation at delivery room. The infants were randomly allocated into 2 groups; SLI group: included the preterm infants who received the SLI at initial inflation pressure of 25 cm H₂O for 15 seconds using the Neopuff/T piece. IPPV group: preterm infants who received standard resuscitation; IPPV using the self-inflating bag. The heart rate (HR), oxygen saturation (SpO₂), oxygen requirement, and intubation rate as well as need of surfactant in the delivery room were assessed. All cases were evaluated after admission to the NICU for the need of mechanical ventilation in the fi