Bibliographic information
GuidelineWHO recommendations for care of the preterm or low-birth-weight infant.
Year of Publication2022
Issuing InstitutionWorld Health Organization
Recommendation
New
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy may be considered immediately after birth for very preterm infants (< 32 weeks’ gestation), with or without respiratory distress
Recommended in favor
Conditional
Certainty of evidence
Low
Notes and Remarks
Remarks
- The recommendation is conditional on shared decision-making with parents; this includes informing parents about the benefits and risks and the need for further research.
- The GDG noted that duration of CPAP (i.e. when to stop CPAP) should be based on clinical judgement.
- The GDG also noted that skilled staff and quality equipment (including humidified blended oxygen–air) are needed for the administration of CPAP to preterm and LBW infants.