Comparison of High Frequency Positive Pressure Mechanical Ventilation (HFPPV) With Conventional Method in the Treatment of Neonatal Respiratory Failure

Background: Respiratory failure is a major problem in neonatal medicine in all over the world and has different causes. Using mechanical ventilation is one of its major treatments.

Objectives: Different strategies have been expressed in this context, including high frequency mechanical ventilation.

Patients and methods: This study is a prospective randomized clinical trial conducted on all newborns with respiratory failure hospitalized in the NICU of Tehran vali-asr Hospital during 2009.These patients were divided in to two groups through block Randomization method; conventional mechanical ventilation group and high frequency ventilation group.

Results: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) and air leak (e.g. pneumothorax) were less in HFPPV group than conventional group (P = 0.012 and P = 0.038). The mean time needed for mechanical ventilation was lower in HFPPV group, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.922). Needing to O2 in 28 days of age was almost equal in both groups (P = 0. 99). Mortality, and refractory hypoxia and PVL were lower in HFPPV group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.301, P = 0. 508, P = 0. 113).

Conclusions: Treatment of neonatal respiratory failure with high rate mechanical ventilation may reduce some complications.