Non-invasive Neurally Adjusted Ventilator Assist or Continuous Positive Airway Pressure in Preterm Infants

Strategies to prevent lung injury, facilitate lung development, and to support the preterm infant\'s capacity to breathe are decisive. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) is the gold standard in non-invasive breathing support in preterm infants with a positive pressure that keeps the alveoli slightly inflated during expiration. Non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilator assist (NIV NAVA) is a novel method of breathing support and uses the electrical activity from the diaphragm to trigger the ventilator and synchronize with the breathing cycle. During NIV NAVA the preterm infant controls the onset of the inspiration, the respiratory rate, inspiratory time and peak pressure. This method has the potential to improve the positive pressure transmission to the infant\'s lower airways, accurate synchronization with the breathing pattern and be a comfortable breathing support system for the preterm infant. The investigators will compare the effect on breathing effort in preterm infants during continuous positive airway pressure and non-invasive neurally adjusted ventilatory assist measured by electrical activity in the diaphragm, respiratory vital signs, systematic clinical scoring of breathing effort and comfort, and parent reported outcomes.