Body Positioning for Premature Birth

This trial examines how different body positions affect the breathing effort of premature babies. It compares two positions: lying on their back (supine) and lying on their tummy (prone) to assess impacts on breathing effort, oxygen and carbon dioxide levels, lung volume, and the frequency of breathing problems like apnea (when the baby stops breathing). Babies born at or before 32 weeks who have used a non-invasive breathing assistance method called Non-Invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) for at least 24 hours qualify as candidates for this study. The researchers aim to determine if changing positions can make breathing easier and safer for these infants. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to understand how simple interventions can improve breathing in premature infants.

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop your baby's current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your baby's doctor.

Research has shown that Non-Invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) is safe and well-tolerated for helping preterm infants breathe. Studies have found that this method eases breathing by adjusting support based on the infants' own efforts, reducing the risk of breathing problems.

Reports indicate that NAVA improves how well the machine aligns with the baby's natural breathing, allowing it to work smoothly with the baby's attempts to breathe. One study found that babies using NAVA had similar success in staying off breathing tubes compared to other methods, but experienced fewer breathing issues.

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores the impact of different body positioning techniques, prone and supine, on premature infants receiving Non-Invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA). Unlike other treatments that primarily focus on medication or invasive procedures, this trial investigates how simple changes in body position might enhance breathing support. The prone positioning technique, in particular, could potentially improve lung function and oxygenation by allowing better expansion of the lungs. This trial aims to provide insights that could lead to more effective and non-invasive care strategies for premature babies.

Research has shown that Non-Invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA) can help preterm infants breathe more easily. Studies have found it to be a safe and effective method for supporting their breathing. NAVA helps the ventilator align with the baby's natural breathing efforts, potentially leading to better health outcomes. Specifically, it has improved lung function and reduced the risk of breathing issues. This trial tests NAVA with babies in two positions: lying on their backs (supine) and on their stomachs (prone) to determine which position is most beneficial.²³⁴⁶⁷