Respiratory Severity Score and Oxygen Saturation Index during the first two hours of life as predictors for non-invasive respiratory support failure in moderate preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome

Abstract

Background Noninvasive respiratory support (NRS) failure is common in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). We evaluated the utility of Respiratory Severity Score (RSS) and Oxygen Saturation Index (OSI) during the first two hours of life (HOL) as a predictor for NRS failure.Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of infants born between 28 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks with RDS. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis were used to assess whether the RSS and OSI summary measures were associated with NRS failure.Results Among 282 infants included in the study 58 (21%) developed NRS failure. RSS and OSI summary measures in the first 2 HOL were associated with NRS failure within 72 HOL.Conclusion RSS and OSI during the first two HOL can predict NRS failure. Optimal RSS and OSI cutoffs for prediction of NRS failure need to be determined in large cohort studies.