Reducing preterm mortality in eastern Uganda: The impact of introducing low-cost bubble CPAP on neonates <1500g

Abstract

Background: Complications of prematurity are the leading cause of deaths in children under the age of five.The predominant reason for these preterm deaths is respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). In low-income countries (LICs) there are limited treatment options for RDS. Due to their simplicity and affordability, low-cost bubble continuous positive airway pressure (bCPAP) devices have been introduced in neonatal units in LICs to treat RDS. This study is the first observational study from a LIC to compare outcomes of very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates in pre- and post-CPAP periods. Methods: This was a retrospective study of VLBW neonates (weight <1500 grams) in Mbale Regional Referral Hospital Neonatal Unit (MRRH-NNU), a government hospital in eastern Uganda. It aimed to measure the outcome of VLBW neonates in two distinct study periods: A 14-month period beginning at the opening of MRRH-NNU and covering the period until bCPAP was introduced (pre-bCPAP) and an 18-month period following the introduction of bCPAP (post-bCPAP). After the introduction of bCPAP, it was applied to preterm neonates with RDS when clinically indicated and if a device was available. Clinical features and outcomes of all neonates <1500g were compared before and after the introduction of bCPAP. Results: The admission records of 377 VLBW neonates <1500g were obtained. 158 were admitted in the pre-bCPAP period and 219 in the post-bCPAP period. The mortality rate in the pre- bCPAP period was 39.2% (62/158) compared with 26.5% (58/219, P =0.012) in the post-bCPAP period. Overall, there was a 44% reduction in mortality (OR 0.56, 95%CI 0.36-0.86, P = 0.01).There were no differences in birthweight, sex, presence of signs of respiratory distress or apnoea between the two groups. Conclusion: Specialized and resource-appropriate neonatal care, that appropriately addresses the challenges of healthcare provision in LICs, has the potential to reduce neonatal deaths.The use of a low-cost bCPAP to treat RDS in VLBW neonates resulted in a significant improvement in their survival in a neonatal unit in eastern Uganda. Since RDS is one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality, it is possible that this relatively simple and affordable intervention could have a huge impact on global neonatal mortality.

Impact of the use of surfactant and Nasal CPAP in the reduction of mortality among very low birth weight preterm babies in Ile-Ife, south western Nigeria

“…The CPAP used is a low-cost one, built as a modified oxygen concentrator that supplies blended humidified oxygen. 11 Also, as part of the unit protocol, surfactant is given to preterm babies with symptoms and signs of respiratory distress syndrome who show increased oxygen requirements on CPAP. Prompt administration of exogenous surfactant to preterm babies with clinical signs of RDS has been shown to improve survival.…”