Nasal mask vs binasal prongs for nasal continuous positive airway pressure in preterm infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis

Abstract Objective To investigate the effect of nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP) given with nasal masks (NM) compared with binasal prongs (BNP) on the incidence of intubation within 72 hours in preterm infants (primary outcome) via meta‐analysis of clinical studies. Data Sources We searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) or quasi‐RCTs in Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science from inception through 4 December 2019. Data Extraction/Synthesis Two independent co‐authors extracting data performed the meta‐analysis using a fixed‐effect model to yield pooled relative risk (RR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI) for each outcome. We used Cochrane GRADE to evaluate the evidence quality. Results Eleven RCTs met the inclusion criteria. The meta‐analysis showed NCPAP provided via NM significantly reduced the rate of intubation within 72 hours (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.58‐0.90; nine studies; GRADE‐moderate) and nasal trauma (RR, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.55‐0.74; GRADE‐low) compared with NCPAP provided via BNP. Also, NCPAP via NM significantly reduced surfactant treatment (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.97; GRADE‐very low) and bronchopulmonary dysplasia (RR, 0.47; 95% CI, 0.23‐0.95; GRADE‐low) compared with BNP in a setting where NCPAP was used as the primary support in respiratory distress syndrome. No statistically significant differences were noted between groups in secondary outcomes except increased NCPAP duration when NCPAP given with NM compared with BNP (mean difference [days], 1.78; 95% CI, 1.67‐1.89; GRADE‐low). Conclusion Among premature infants, NCPAP provided with NM is more effective in preventing intubation and mechanical ventilation within 72 hours of initiating the support compared with NCPAP provided with BNP.