Respiratory support in neonates and infants

[Lanell]

Initial stabilization maneuvers include mild tactile stimulation, head positioning, and suctioning of the mouth and nose followed as needed by

Supplemental oxygen
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
Noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV)
Bag-and-mask ventilation or mechanical ventilation

Neonates who cannot be oxygenated by any of these means may require a full cardiac evaluation to exclude congenital cardiopulmonary anomalies and treatment with high-frequency oscillatory ventilation, nitric oxide, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation, or a combination.
(See also Overview of Perinatal Respiratory Disorders and Neonatal Resuscitation.)