Pressure support ventilation in neonates – Is it safe?

Introduction: Pressure support ventilation (PSV) is a common weaning mode in adults, but it is less familiar among the neonatal population due to lack of awareness and safety concerns associated with leaks around uncuffed endotracheal tube. There is limited evidence addressing this issue in the literature. Therefore, the study focuses on the safety of PSV among neonates. Subjects and Methods: The prospective observational study was done among 57 neonates (gestational age from 26 to 37 weeks) requiring mechanical ventilation. PSV mode was used 30 min before extubation and assessed for any changes in hemodynamic and ventilator parameters for two time points, during the initiation of PSV, and the end of 30 min of the trial. The incidence of reintubation within 72 h was also noted. Results: There were no wide variations in hemodynamic and ventilator parameters during the trial. The average heart rate, respiratory rate, and saturation of oxygen were noted to be 146 bpm, 54/min, and 95%, respectively. The average mean airway pressure was found to be 7.2 cm H2O during PSV. The reintubation rate was found to be 8.2%, with a mortality rate of 5.2%. Conclusion: The current study findings conclude that PSV in neonates can be used safely as an independent mode during weaning.