• Kaneez Fatima, Sughra Zulfiqar, Ammara Farooq, and Musfirah Aziz.
• Kaneez Fatima, FCPS Neonatal Fellow Combined Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, Pakistan.
• Pak J Med Sci. 2024 Sep 1; 40 (8): 183118361831-1836.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in term and preterm neonates with respiratory distress by evaluating successful outcomes, identifying factors contributing to treatment failure, and documenting associated complications.MethodA comparative cross-sectional study design was employed. The research was conducted at Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Rawalpindi from November 2022 to July 2023. All consecutive neonates admitted during the specified period with respiratory distress requiring CPAP treatment and meeting inclusion criteria were enrolled. Pre- and post-CPAP respiratory distress levels, relevant biochemical markers, as well as mortality and morbidity rates were documented. Both descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were employed.ResultsThe mean age of the study cohort was 53.3±85.6 minutes. The average time to initiate CPAP was 82.4 ± 94.7 minutes. Mean gestational age stood at 34.68±2.8 weeks. CPAP was successful in 97% of babies. The low birth weight below 1200grams was the main factor related to failure of CPAP. The mean Downes score decreased from 5.8±1.3 before CPAP to 3.3±1.6 after 12 hours of CPAP and further to 1.85±2 after 24 hours. Significant improvements in Downes score were noted after 24 hours of CPAP usage (p < 0.05) using paired sample T-test.ConclusionThis study affirms the effectiveness of CPAP in addressing neonatal respiratory distress. The utilization of CPAP emerges as a valuable intervention that not only reduces the requirement for invasive ventilation but also exhibits the potential to alleviate morbidity and mortality rates among neonatal populations.Copyright: © Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences.

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