Early versus delayed initiation of continuous distending pressure for respiratory distress syndrome in preterm infants.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The application of a continuous distending pressure (CDP) has been shown to have some benefits in the treatment of pre-term infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). CDP has the potential to reduce lung damage, particularly if applied early before atelectasis has occurred. Early application of CDP may better conserve an infant's own surfactant stores and consequently be more effective than CDP applied later in the course of RDS. OBJECTIVES: In pre-term infants with RDS to determine if early compared with delayed initiation of CDP results in lower mortality and reduced need for intermittent positive pressure ventilation. SEARCH STRATEGY: The standard search strategy of the..