Can Utilizing Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist In The Ventialtion Support Of Critically Iii Neonates Results In Shorter Hospital Stay?

Background: Respiratory efforts and work of breathing may be influenced by the mode of ventilation used in the respiratory support of the very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight < 1500 g). Utilizing neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA) technology in the care of VLBW infants in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) setting may decrease work of breathing and the energy expenditure which can potentially improve the pattern of weight gain in VLBW neonates and results in expedited discharging these infants home form NICU. Aims: This study examines daily weight gain on NAVA ventilation, and compares it to other currently available modes of ventilation used on VLBW infants. Subsequent difference in hospital length of stay (LOS) between the two groups is evaluated. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis of inpatients hospital electronic medical records using one sample pairwise t-test statistical technique was performed to compare the patterns of weight gain and hospital LOS in seven VLBW infants who were consecutively ventilated by the conventional and NAVA. Results: A trend of a favorable effect of NAVA over conventional ventilation was demonstrated regarding weight gain of VLBW infants, which reflect financial savings by shortening the LOS at the hospital. Conclusion: This study presented the first insight on the financial impact of implementing this new technological innovation in the NICU by comparing the daily weight gain on NAVA technology compared to the traditional methods of ventilation. By studying this impact further in larger prospective studies, looking at variable factors that may affect neonatal growth, researched can develop more understanding of the effect of this technology on nutrition status and growth.