Normal Saline Nebulization in Prevention of Extubation Failure in Neonates

Using nebulization is of great debate in neonates especially post extubation as neonates have physiological characteristics such as difficult airway maintenance and clearance, smaller airway caliber, compliant chest wall, poor airway stability, and lower functional residual capacity that account for the diminished delivery of inhaled aerosol.

Nebulized normal saline has historically been used as a placebo typically in studies examining bronchodilator medications and sputum expectorants or used as a carrier to medications. Nowadays, normal saline is a method of enhancing mucociliary clearance has become a clinically accepted adjunct to physiotherapy in the treatment of many chronic lung conditions .

the effect of whether or not nebulization really improves the lung condition is evaluated by lung ultrasound ,It is not only useful in predicting failure of non-invasive ventilation and the need for invasive ventilation, but also has a great value in anticipating extubation success In general, patients with lower lung ultrasound scores show a better chance of extubation success. Each lung will be divided into 3 areas (upper anterior, lower anterior, and lateral) and will be examined using a linear microprobe through both transverse and longitudinal scans. For each lung area, a 0- to 3-point score was given (total score ranging from 0-18).