Efficacy and Outcome of Oxygen Delivery Devices in Respiratory Distress in Newborn Babies in a Rural Hospital, India

Abstract

Background: Respiratory distress is a typical presentation in newborn intensive care units, necessitating mechanical ventilation. Once the baby's condition improves, they are put on oxygen therapy. Nasal cannulas and oxygen hoods are the most commonly used and time-tested methods of providing oxygen treatment. Objectives: To assess the efficacy and outcome of these two devices, as well as their impact on several parameters such as desaturation, heart rate, blood gas anomalies, and adverse effects. Methods: This was a prospective, comparative, interventional study conducted in a rural hospital in Sawangi Meghe, Wardha, Maharashtra. Results: Males accounted for 59% of the 88 infants. The majority of newborns had gestational ages between 28 and 32 weeks. Desaturation episodes were more frequent in patients using nasal cannula. In the nasal cannula group, 8 individuals experienced bradycardia, compared to 11 in the oxygen hood. In total, 24 individuals had abnormal blood gas levels. Nasal cannulas were associated with more nose injuries (27.27%) than oxygen hoods (4.5%). Severe-grade injuries were more reported in low birth weight and premature birth patients. The nasal cannula is more convenient and acceptable to nurses. Conclusions: Nasal cannulas may injure the mucosa, yet they are more effective than hoods. Two kinds of oxygen therapy had little effect on heart rate or blood gas levels.