Survey of neonatal respiratory support use in very preterm infants in Italy

Background: Respiratory support in very preterm infants is often a life-saving procedure and several techniques are available. There is lack of data on the current use of these techniques. Methods and aim: We analyzed a cohort of infants <30 weeks gestation or < 1501 g birth weight, enrolled in the Italian Neonatal Network in 2009 and 2010 (n = 8297, mean gestation = 29.3 weeks, mean birth weight = 1089 g) to ascertain the use of several techniques. We also conducted a questionnaire survey of all neonatal units adhering to the Italian Neonatal Network, inquiring about preferred methods of respiratory support. Results: Conventional ventilation was used in 53% of these infants, high frequency…