Journal of Neonatal Biology

Abstract

Neurally Adjusted Vetilatory Assist in the Newborn

Fermin Arci Munoz Rodrigo and Sonia Rodriguez Rivero

Invasive and noninvasive ventilation of the preterm newborn may be associated with local and systemic complications due to mechanical trauma to lung tissues and their inflammatory response. A key objective, therefore, of any type of mechanical ventilation is to reduce its duration and the side effects related to it. Neurally Adjusted Ventilatory Assist (NAVA), a method that uses the Electrical Activity of the diaphragm (EAdi) as a signal to trigger the mechanical ventilatory breaths, may improve synchronization between patient and ventilator and optimize the volume of gas delivered to the lungs, according to the patient needs, eventually reducing volu- and biotrauma. The EAdi signal may also be used as vital sing to monitor the patient’s neural respiratory drive. Preliminary data show some benefit with the use of NAVA in the neonatal period, but further studies are needed to assess whether these short-term benefits are reflected in better outcomes in the long run.