CONTINUOUS POSITIVE AIRWAY PRESSURE DELIVERED BY FACE MASK IN INFANTS WITH THE IDIOPATHIC RESPIRATORY DISTRESS SYNDROME: A CONTROLLED STUDY

Abstract

A controlled trial of the use of CPAP delivered by face mask was conducted in infants with IRDS. A significant difference in survival (p < 0.05) was noted in treated (all of 13) compared with control patients (seven of 11) with birth weights greater than 1,500 gm. Groups were comparable according to birth weight, gestational age, initial blood gases, and age of entry into the study. The mean duration of therapy was 32.4 hours. Complications were confined to difficulties with mask fit and local skin care.