Delivery room resuscitation of near-term infants: Role of the laryngeal mask airway

AimThis observational study aims to describe: (1) the use of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) for resuscitation in the delivery room among newly born near-term infants; (2) the methods used for PPV resuscitation [e.g., bag–facial mask (BFM), laryngeal mask airway (LMA), endotracheal tube (ETT)]; and (3) the association of each device with short-term neonatal outcomes.MethodsWe identified near-term (34 0/7–36 6/7 weeks) infants delivered at the Padua University Hospital (Padua, Italy) during the years 2002–2006. The mode of delivery, gestational age, birth weight, Apgar scores, methods of resuscitation and respiratory outcome after NICU admission were analysed.ResultsDuring the 5-year study period, 921 (4.9%) near-term infants were identified from a total of 18,641 live births. PPV was provided in the delivery room to 86 (9.3%) of these infants. Among them, 36 (41.8%) were managed by LMA, 34 (39.5%) by BFM and 16 (18.6%) by ETT. Thirty-four (39.5%) resuscitated near-term infants were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU): 15 (44.1%) after BFM, 12 (75%) after ETT and seven (19.4%) after LMA. Resuscitation with an ETT was associated with an increased rate of respiratory distress syndrome when compared with either BFM or LMA. Resuscitation with an LMA was associated with a lower rate of NICU admission and shorter length of stay when compared with either BFM or ETT.ConclusionThe LMA is an effective device for primary airway management of near-term infants and for secondary airway management among near-term infants failing BFM or ETT resuscitation.