Comparison of the Effects of Different Non-Invasive Ventilation Interfaces on the Development of Medical Device-Related Nasal Pressure Injury in Preterm Infants

This study focuses on medical device-related nasal pressure injury in preterm infants receiving non-invasive ventilation in neonatal intensive care units. Preterm infants are particularly vulnerable to skin injury due to the immaturity of their skin structure and the increased need for respiratory support. Non-invasive ventilation is widely used to reduce lung injury; however, the use of nasal interfaces may lead to pressure-related skin damage, especially in the nasal area.

Previous studies have shown that non-invasive ventilation itself is a risk factor for nasal pressure injury. The type of interface used, such as binasal prong, nasal cannula, or nasal mask, may influence the frequency and severity of these injuries. However, evidence comparing the effectiveness of different interfaces in preventing nasal pressure injury remains limited.

This study is designed as a prospective, randomized controlled trial with a parallel-group design. Preterm infants receiving non-invasive ventilation will be randomly assigned to one of three interface groups: binasal prong, nasal cannula, or nasal mask. Skin condition, pressure injury development, and risk levels will be evaluated using standardized assessment tools, including the Neonatal Skin Risk Assessment Scale (NSRAS), Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS), and Pressure Injury Staging Scale (PISS).

The findings of this study are expected to contribute to evidence-based neonatal nursing care by supporting clinical decision-making in the selection of appropriate ventilation interfaces and improving preventive care strategies for pressure injury in neonatal intensive care units.