Non-invasive respiratory support in newborn infants

Respiratory failure is the most common morbidity in newborn infants, often requiring respiratory support. Traditionally, invasive mechanical ventilation was the preferred method of neonatologists. Over the last two decades, various forms of non-invasive ventilation have become popular as modes of respiratory support in newborn infants, especially if they are born preterm. These modes differ from mechanical ventilation in not needing an endo-tracheal tube, and are commonly delivered by bi-nasal prongs. We review the common modes of non-invasive respiratory support in newborn infants, including their proposed mechanisms of action and the evidence supporting their use.