The stable microbubble test for determining continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) success in very preterm infants receiving nasal CPAP from birth

Abstract

Background: Very preterm infants can be treated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) from birth, but some fail. A rapid test, such as the stable microbubble test (SMT) on gastric aspirate, may identify those who can be managed successfully using CPAP. Objective: To determine if SMT can identify soon after birth, very preterm infants who may be successfully managed on CPAP alone. Methods: Stable microbubbles (diameter <15 μm) were counted in gastric aspirates taken <1 h of age from infants <30 weeks' gestation, who received CPAP from birth. Infants failed CPAP if intubated at <72 h of age. Clinicians were masked to SMT results. A receiver operating characteristic curve was ge..