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).