Due to its unique properties, helium–oxygen (heliox) mixtures may provide benefits during non-invasive ventilation, however, knowledge regarding the effects of such therapy in premature infants is limited. This is the first report of heliox non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NIV-NAVA) ventilation applied in neonates born ≤ 32 weeks gestational age. After baseline NIV-NAVA ventilation with a standard mixture of air and oxygen, heliox was introduced for 3 h, followed by 3 h of air-oxygen. Heart rate, peripheral capillary oxygen saturation, cerebral oxygenation, electrical activity of the diaphragm (Edi) and selected ventilatory parameters (e.g., respiratory rate, peak inspiratory pressure) were continuously monitored. We found that application of heliox NIV-NAVA in preterm infants was feasible and associated with a prompt and significant decrease of Edi suggesting reduced respiratory effort, while all other parameters were stable throughout the study, and had similar values during heliox and air-oxygen ventilation. This therapy may potentially enhance the efficacy of non-invasive respiratory support in preterm neonates and reduce the number of infants progressing to ventilatory failure.

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most severe and unpredictable complications of prematurity. There are two possible mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of NEC: individual inflammatory response and impaired blood flow in mesenteric vessels with secondary ischemia of the intestine. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between polymorphisms: Il-1β 3953C>T, Il-6 −174G>C and −596G>A, TNFα −308G>A, and 86 bp variable number tandem repeat polymorphism of interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (Il-1RN VNTR 86 bp) and three polymorphisms that may participate in arteries tension regulation and in consequence in intestine blood flow impairment: eNOS (894G>T and −786T>C) and END-1 (5665G>T) and NEC in 100 infants born from singleton pregnancy, before 32 + 0 weeks of gestation, exposed to antenatal steroids therapy, and without congenital abnormalities. In study population, 22 (22%) newborns developed NEC. Surgery-requiring NEC was present in 7 children. Statistical analysis showed 20-fold higher prevalence of NEC in infants with the genotype TT [OR 20 (3.71–208.7); p = 0.0004] of eNOS 894G>T gene polymorphism. There was a higher prevalence of allele C carriers of eNOS 786T>C in patients with surgery-requiring NEC [OR 4.881 (1.33–21.99); p = 0.013]. Our investigation did not confirm any significant prevalence for NEC development in another studied genotypes/alleles. This study confirms the significant role of polymorphisms that play role in intestine blood flow. Identifying gene variants that increase the risk for NEC development may be useful in screening infants with inherent vulnerability and creating strategies for individualized care.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11010-017-3135-5) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.