RESULTS
A total of 150 infants with a gestational age between
220/6 and 416/7 weeks and birth
weight between 400 g and 4020 g were included in the study. The neonates
randomly assigned to the NIPPV group (75 infants) or the standard-care
group (75 infants). Data on enrolment are outlined in Figure 1. No
significant difference was noted between the groups in terms of
gestational age, birth weight, and demographic characteristics (Table
1).
The post-menstrual age of these infants at intubation was 31.5 ± 4.6
weeks in the NIPPV group and 33.5 ± 5.5 weeks in the standard care
group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically
significant (p = 0.020) (Table 1). Indications for intubation,
respiratory supports before procedure and intubation characteristics are
shown in Table 1. The rate of mechanical ventilation and low-flow oxygen
was significantly higher in the standart-care group (p < 0.001
and p = 0.028; respectively), while the rate of non-invasive ventilation
was significantly higher in the NIPPV group (p < 0.001) prior
to intubation procedure. FiO2 requirement and heart rate
was significantly higher in the NIPPV group (p = 0.023 and p = 0.027;
respectively) before intubation. 26.7% of the infants were on
mechanical ventilation before intubation in the standart-care group.
These patients who underwent reintubation due to reasons such as
endotracheal tube obstruction, serious air leakage or unplanned
extubation (Table 1).