A Softer Start for Preemies

Unique Article: A Softer Start for Preemies

A new trial led by Monash University offers a gentler and more effective way to help very premature babies breathe right after birth. The study, known as FONDUE, found that using a nasal mask instead of a traditional face mask significantly improved outcomes for newborns born between 23 and 31 weeks of gestation.

The Problem with Premature Lungs

Very preterm babies often have underdeveloped lungs and require immediate breathing support. The standard practice has been to use a face mask, but this method can sometimes be inefficient and lead to a need for more invasive interventions.

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A Kinder, More Effective Solution

The FONDUE trial, published in The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, involved 151 newborns. It demonstrated that providing initial breathing support with a nasal mask reduced the need for “rescue breathing”—a more intensive form of support—from 58 percent to just 39 percent.

The lead author, Dr. Douglas Blank, explained that the nasal mask’s success lies in its ability to encourage the baby’s own breathing efforts. By supporting their natural instincts to breathe, the intervention helps more newborns continue to breathe well on their own after birth.

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Lasting Benefits

The positive effects of the nasal mask were particularly pronounced in extremely preterm babies (born before 28 weeks). For this vulnerable group, the nasal mask doubled the likelihood of successful breathing support without the need for escalation.

Associate Professor Calum Roberts, the senior author, highlighted that this simple change could have long-term benefits for the fragile lungs and brains of these babies. Encouraging spontaneous breathing early on may lead to better health outcomes throughout their lives.

Funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) and the Jack Brockhoff Foundation, researchers are hopeful that this simple yet impactful finding can be implemented in hospitals worldwide, providing a brighter and healthier start for our most vulnerable newborns.