A Randomised Controlled Trial of Delivery Room Intubation Rates Comparing a New System and T-piece Resuscitation System for Initial Stabilisation of Infants Born <28 Weeks

The study is a two arm randomised comparison of two systems (T-piece device and the new system) for respiratory support after delivery of an infant born less than 28 weeks gestational age (GA). This multicentre trial will start at Karolinska University Hospital and other sites can join throughout the study period. The trial is academic with the coordinating investigator as sponsor. No company funding will be considered.

The new device has been designed for neonatal resuscitation and CE-marked for this intended use. The device is operated/handled in a similar way to existing devices and can provide support according to resuscitation guidelines.

During spontaneous breathing the continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provided with the new system is more pressure stable and has low imposed work of breathing. The benefits of decreased imposed work of breathing during resuscitation have not previously been investigated. The new system has the option of using prongs as the patient interface. Prongs have shown promising results in trials and have theoretical benefits. We hypothesis that the combined use of prongs and low imposed work of breathing could reduce the number of infants that need mechanical ventilation.

Screening for eligibility and consent will be performed on mothers with threatening delivery of an extremely premature infant (<28 weeks gestational age). There is no lower gestational age limit but patients should not be included if there is a decision to intubate prior to delivery or treatment limitations.

After a patient has been enrolled the randomisation will be on hold until delivery is imminent. Randomisation will be stratified on centre, gestational age and antenatal steroid treatment. The interventions cannot be blinded.