Diaphragmatic Electrical Activity in Preterm Infants on Non-Invasive Ventilation

Continuous Positive Airway Pressure is one of the most researched and accepted methods of delivering NIV to term and preterm infants. Non-invasive high frequency ventilation is a relatively new method of delivering NIV respiratory support in preterm infants. Preliminary studies suggest superiority over CPAP, and NHFOV is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice in an attempt to prevent intubation and minimize ventilation-induced lung injury in preterm infants. However, little is known about its mechanism of action and its effect on respiratory mechanics in the newborn. The objective of this study is to compare the effects of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) delivered by nasal Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) versus Non-Invasive High Frequency Ventilation (NHFOV) on respiratory pattern as assessed by the electrical activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) in very low birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants. The investigators hypothesize that in VLBW preterm infants with relative pulmonary insufficiency, NHFOV will reduce respiratory drive and improve ventilation, subsequently resulting in decreased patient diaphragm energy expenditure. This would be demonstrated by decreased neural respiratory rates and/or decreased peak electrical activity of the diaphragm while breathing on NHFOV compared to CPAP. Clinicians are seeking alternative methods for providing non-invasive respiratory support to preterm infants. NHFOV is a relatively new modality that is being increasingly utilized in clinical practice but has not been well studied. This study will help the investigators determine how non-invasive high frequency ventilation affects breathing in preterm infants, as compared to the more traditional modality of nasal CPAP. Therefore, clinicians will not only be able to better understand how NHFOV works, but also utilize this information to decide on the most appropriate respiratory support modality for preterm patients