This study is the first that highlights the effectiveness of T-piece resuscitator ventilation in improving relevant outcomes in preterm neonates.

Introduction: several birth defects associated to congenital Zika virus infection have been reported, although the clinical features have not been fully characterized. Description: this is the first case report on unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis diagnosed on a neonate with congenital Zika confirmed by the examination of the amniotic fluid through polymerase chain reaction (ZIKV RT-PCR) and the examination of cerebrospinal fluid by serological test (IgM ZIKV-ELISA) after birth. The main manifestations detected by intrauterine ultrasound were: microcephaly, ventriculomegaly, intracranial calcifications, enlarged cisterna magna, increased amniotic fluid index and fetal akinesia syndrome. The newborn had acute respiratory failure in the first hours of life, requiring mechanical ventila-tion. The X- ray of the chest showed unilateral diaphragmatic paralysis and cardiomegaly. Discussion: diaphragmatic palsy in congenital Zika has not been previously reported, the etiopathogenic mechanisms of this event in congenital Zika virus needs to be elucidated.

Objective: Evaluate whether nasal intermittent positive-pressure ventilation (NIPPV) as rescue therapy after initial nasal continuous positive airway (NCPAP) failure reduces need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) in infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Design: Retrospective cohort involving 156 preterm infants who failed initial NCPAP and were then submitted to NIPPV rescue therapy and classified into NIPPV success or failure, according to need for IMV. Result: Of all infants included, 85 (54.5%) were successfully rescued with NIPPV while 71 (45.5%) failed. The NIPPV success group had significantly lower rates of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, peri/intraventricular hemorrhage, patent ductus arteriosus and greater survival without morbidities (all p≤0.01). Infants who failed NIPPV had earlier initial NCPAP failure (p=0.09). In final logistic regression model, birthweight ≤1000 g and need for surfactant remained significant factors for NIPPV failure. Conclusion: NIPPV rescue therapy reduced the need for IMV in infants that failed NCPAP and was associated with better outcomes.