Rapid systematic review shows that using a high-flow nasal cannula is inferior to nasal continuous positive airway pressure as first-line support in preterm neonates.

Aim We reviewed using a high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) as first-line support for preterm neonates with, or at risk of, respiratory distress. Methods This rapid systematic review covered biomedical databases up to June 2017. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published in English. The reference lists of the studies and relevant reviews we included were also screened. We performed the study selection, data extraction, study quality assessment, meta-analysis and quality of evidence assessment following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. Results Pooled results from six RCTs covering 1227 neonates showed moderate-quality evidence that HFNC …