Randomized Controlled Trial of Two Protocols for Weaning From High Frequency Oscillatory Ventilation in Preterm Neonates With Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Our study is a randomized controlled trial that compares two weaning protocols of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome who are ventilated on high frequency oscillatory ventilation in order to establish the best weaning strategy with the least complications possible for this group of patients.
• Preterm infants with RDS whose gestational age is 34 weeks or less who required HFOV for more than 24 hours duration due to failure of non- invasive respiratory support due to any of the following:
‣ Severe hypercapnea PaCO2 \> 60 mmHg associated with pH \< 7.25.
⁃ Hypoxemia PaO2 \< 50 mmHg, with FiO2 \> 40%.
⁃ Frequent apneas: 6 or more episodes of apnea requiring mild or moderate stimulation within 6-hour period or one apneic episode requiring bag and mask positive pressure ventilation.