Non-invasive Ventilation in Preterm Infants

"The NAVA level will be reduced to 0,5 cmH2O/microvolt (µV) for 3 minutes as a starting point. Limit peak pressure will be set to 35 cmH2O (the maxi-mum pressure that can be delivered to the patient is cut off at 30 cmH2O). Other ventilator settings will be left unchanged and are as clinically indicated.~Starting from a NAVA level of 0,5 cmH20/µV the level will be increased by 0,5 cmH2O/µV every 3 minutes until reaching a maximum NAVA level of 2,5 cmH2O/µV."

This is a non-invasive technique consisting of the application of a non-adhesive single-use patient belt to monitor regional changes in lung aeration at the bedside.

"Lung ultrasound is a non-invasive technique used to diagnose lung pathology and to monitor lung condition. This technique is part of the standard of care for preterm infants in our neonatal unit. Lung ultrasound scores are calculated at each time an ultrasound is performed.~Ultrasound of the diaphragm consists of a short additional measurement of diaphragm thickness and thickening fraction and will be done at the same time of the lung ultrasound following a standardized procedure."