Oscillatory Versus Non-Oscillatory Nasal Continuous Airway Pressure Neonatal Respiratory Support

This study is a randomized controlled trial comparing High Frequency nasal CPAP versus standard nasal CPAP. The patient population includes preterm newborns who require respiratory support but do not need to be initially intubated and preterm or term infants who are being extubated and will require support for the continued lung disease. After obtaining parental consent the patient will be randomized to one of the two treatments. Patients will be followed for requirement of level of oxygen and blood gases looking at acidity (pH) and PaCO2 and Bicarbonate(HCO3). A respiratory index score will be measured. Attending physician will determine the need for the patient to be intubated or reintubated depending on the patient selected. Additionally, frequency, duration and severity of Apnea, Bradycardia and Desaturation events will be recorded. Also safety issues to include pulmonary airleak, nasal injury, facial edema and scalp edema due to straps holding the device in place will be recorded. Also gaseous distension of the stomach and intestines will be assessed and compared between treatment arms. This study is not powered to look at long term outcomes.