Airway pressure measurements in newborns on non-invasive respiratory support: a feasibility study (AIRPREMO 2 Study)

In the AIRPREMO 2 Study, a modified TGA-approved dual-lumen gastric tube connected to a new external device will be used to measure the upper airway pressure (pharyngeal pressure) in newborns receiving non-invasive respiratory support (continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) or high flow nasal cannula (HF)). Once inserted, the sensor lumen of the study feeding tube will be connected to a study sensor module unit which is connected to the study data acquisition unit (airway pressure monitor) that is positioned at the bedside. Pharyngeal pressure measurements will be obtained with the research data collection system for 3-8 days, with the data obtained from the study informing the development of a new device. Clinical staff will not have the ability to view the airway pressure data on the data acquisition unit unless shown by the research team. The primary feeding lumen of the gastric tube will enable study participants to be fed as per usual clinical guidelines and facilitate enteral fluids/medication delivery as clinically required. The duration of recoding can vary from 3 to 8 days as outlined in our research protocol and as per clinical practices for replacement of tubes. Enteral feeds for infants on respiratory support are administered intermittently and advance (in volume and frequency) as the infant’s tolerance of feeding increases.