Effect of silicon gel sheeting in nasal injury associated with nasal CPAP in preterm infants

• DOI: 10.1007/s13312-010-0047-9
• Publication Date: 2010-06-26T06:23:46Z
• Authors: Ayla Günlemez; Tonguç Isken; Ayse S. Gökalp; Gülcan Türker; Engin A. Arisoy
• Keywords: Silicon; Continuous Positive Airway Pressure; Administration, Topical; Infant, Newborn; Nose; 3. Good health; Necrosis; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Humans; Wounds and Injuries; Prospective Studies; Gels; Infant, Premature

We conducted this study to investigate the efficacy of the silicon gel application on the nares in prevention of nasal injury in preterm infants ventilated with nasal continuous positive airway pressure (NCPAP). Patients (n=179) were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n=87) had no silicon gel applied to nares, and in Group 2 (n=92), the silicon gel sheeting was used on the surface of nares during ventilation with NCPAP. Nasal injury developed in 13 (14.9%) neonates in Group 1 and 4 (4.3%) newborns in Group 2 (OR:3.43; 95% CI: 1.1-10.1; P<0.05). The incidence of columella necrosis was also significantly higher in the Group 1 (OR: 6.34; 95% CI: 0.78-51.6; P<0.05). We conclude that the silicon gel application may reduce the incidence and the severity of nasal injury in preterm infants on nasal CPAP.